BOSTON, MA (January 29, 2025) – Sophomore Xavier McKenzie (Lowell, Mass.) made an impressive return to the starting lineup. In 37 minutes, he scored a team-high 17 points, including three three-pointers, in UMass Boston's (9-9, 4-6 Little East Conference) hard-fought loss to Western Connecticut State (11-8, 7-3 LEC) in their first game back at Clark Gymnasium in 15 days.
Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.), Tyler Victor (Brockton, Mass.), and Emanuel Zayas (Hollywood, Fla.) each contributed nine points, supporting McKenzie's standout performance.
How It Happened:
First Half:
- McKenzie quickly found his rhythm, hitting a three-pointer off a pass from graduate forward Mark Barrett (Brookline, Mass.) to open the scoring. His second three-pointer at 11:28 gave the Beacons a one-point lead after trailing by five. Barrett and Zayas followed with back-to-back three-pointers, helping UMass Boston build a three-point advantage. McKenzie added a third triple to extend the lead before Victor closed the half with a five-point unanswered run. At the break, the Beacons led 33-27, with McKenzie scoring 13 points. Barrett contributed five points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Zayas was efficient, shooting 2-for-3 from the field, including two three-pointers.
Second Half:
- Victor opened the second half with a strong and-one finish, followed by a free throw, maintaining UMass Boston's six-point lead. Laurent and Victor each added layups, pushing the Beacons' lead to seven—its largest of the game. However, at the 11:02 mark, the Wolves mounted a comeback, going on an 11-5 run to reclaim the lead. Western Connecticut then pulled away, outscoring the Beacons 20-5 in the final minutes to seal the victory, finishing with 10 field goals and five free throws in the last 11 minutes.
By the Numbers:
- McKenzie led the Beacons with 17 points in 37 minutes in his first start since returning from injury. He and Zayas each made three three-pointers, leading the team from beyond the arc.
- Barrett had five points, a team-high nine rebounds, and a season-high eight assists, continuing to be a key contributor for UMass Boston.
- Victor was one point and one rebound shy of his first career double-double, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds.
The Beacons will continue their LEC campaign on Saturday, February 1, against Rhode Island College in Providence, R.I., at 3:00 p.m.
For all things UMass Boston Athletics, follow the official UMass Boston Athletics website.
--FOR THE TIMES--
Gallery: MBB vs WestConn
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