WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Despite a combined 36 points and 10 rebounds from seniors Charles and Charlie Mitchell men's basketball could not complete a late second-half comeback as Eastern Connecticut State University ended the Beacons season with a 76-73 decision in the quarterfinal round of the Little East Conference Tournament, Tuesday evening at Geissler Gymnasium.

THE BASICS

UMass Boston 73, Eastern Connecticut State University 76

UMass Boston (11-14)
Eastern Connecticut State (18-7)

HOW IT HAPPENED

After trailing by eight at the break, the Beacons responded with another strong second half of basketball. They erased the first half deficit and took control of the lead midway through the second, following a lay-up from junior Malik Lorquet.

ECSU responded on their next possession with a field goal to take a one-point lead. The two teams would exchange baskets for the final 10 minutes of regulation. The Warriors gained some breathing room with just over two minutes left.

However, the Beacons rallied again to make it a one possession game with 12 seconds left on the clock. The Warriors would seal the win at the free throw line to earn a spot in the LEC semi-final round, which they will host on Thursday in Geissler Gymnasium.

Lorquet finished with the Beacons only double-double as the Sharon native grabbed 11 rebounds to go along with 18 points.  Charles Mitchell led all scorers with 24 points on 10-of-23 shooting, which included three 3-pointers.

Charlie Mitchell dropped in 12 points in his final game as a member of the men's basketball program, while Ike Eluwa finished with 11 points in his first LEC Tournament game.

BY THE NUMBERS

• With his nine rebounds, Charles Mitchell recorded his third second with 100 or more rebounds
• His 485 points this season were a career-high for the senior guard from Boston, and marked the second time in his career that he recorded 400 or more points in a season
• Charlie Mitchell finished with 200 or more points for the second time in his career
• During their four seasons the Mitchell twins led the Beacons to four-straight LEC Tournament appearances and 56 total wins