BOSTON, MA (January 11, 2025) – Sophomores Sabanna Berrios (Providence, R.I.) and Vanessa Bucha (Aschnuet, Mass.) combined for 28 of the Beacons' 50 points to lead the UMass Boston Beacons to their it's victory over the Keene State Owls since January of 2023.

The Basics:
UMass Boston 50 – 47 Keene State College
UMass Boston: 5-9, 2-3 Little East Conference
Keene State College: 6-7, 2-2 LEC

How it Happened:

• Keene State finished the first quarter ahead by eight points. Bucha laced her first make from beyond the arc to finish the quarter on a high note for the Beacons.
• Bucha's second three-pointer in the following quarter kept the Beacons to within seven points despite the Owls initially springing out to an 11-point lead. First-year Tajeiha Madison (Brockton, Mass.) would join the party with another splash from downtown to cut the deficit to three points with under four minutes remaining in the half. Bucha's third make from downtown sent the Beacons' bench on their feet as she caught fire to tie the game at 27. Berrios' four points to close out the half helped UMass Boston gain the edge by one point heading into halftime.
• Head Coach Heather Jacobs' defensive schematics and the Beacons' execution held the Owls to an ice-cold three points in the third quarter. UMass Boston took advantage and ran out to a six-point lead, with time expiring in the third quarter. In the closing moments, Madison's swing pass found Bucha in the corner as she heaved a contested three for her fourth made three-pointer of the game to send the Beacons' bench into a frenzy. The Beacons led 34-43, entering the fourth.
• The game finished with a dual at the free throw line. The Beacons finished the game 7-7 from the stripe. Despite Keene State's 13-point final push, it wouldn't be enough as UMass Boston successfully protects home court for their second conference win of the season.

By the Numbers:

• Bucha's 21-minute performance benchmarks new career highs in points (14) and three-pointers made (four).
• Berrios struck two fresh season-highs in 31 minutes against the Owls. She added 14 points on a season-high eight made free throws and pulled in a monstrous 15 boards. 14 points and 15 rebounds mark Berrios' third consecutive double-double with points and rebounds.
• In 27 minutes, first-year Ashleigh Lagor (Millbury, Mass.) added seven points and seven rebounds.

Who's Next:

• The Beacons strap in for another LEC contest next Tuesday, January 14^th, at 2:00 p.m. against the UMass Dartmouth Corsairs.