BOSTON, MA (November 18, 2025) – The UMass Boston men's basketball team (1-3) put together a strong, back-and-forth performance on Tuesday night at Clark Gymnasium, going toe-to-toe with unbeaten Fitchburg State (4-0) in a nonconference matchup that came down to the final seconds.

Senior guard Clayton McLaren (Brockton, Mass.) got the Beacons rolling with a layup to steady the offense after Fitchburg State's quick start. UMass Boston continued to build momentum and took its first lead of the night with six minutes left in the opening half, sparked by a three-pointer from junior forward Skyler Venezia (North Haledon, N.J.) to make it 23-22. The teams traded punches throughout the frame, with the Falcons holding a narrow edge at halftime. Sophomore guard Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.) led the Beacons at the break with 14 points.

The intensity carried into the second half, where neither team led by more than six points. Laurent quickly erased a three-point deficit with back-to-back buckets, helping the Beacons regain control. UMass Boston held the lead deep into the half, before a Fitchburg run briefly swung momentum. The Beacons answered with a McLaren three to move ahead 56-53, and the final minutes remained tight as both sides battled down the stretch.

Laurent delivered a standout performance, finishing with a game-high 25 points on efficient 8-14 shooting (57%), including 2-3 from beyond the arc and a 7-7 mark at the line, while adding three steals and four rebounds. Sophomore forward Cameron Perkins contributed 11 points and six rebounds, and senior forward Corrie Byrd (Cambridge, Mass.) added 10 points on 80% shooting (4-5) with five boards. Venezia provided a major spark with a team-high +16 plus-minus.

UMass Boston looks to carry its strong play into Friday's (Nov. 21) road matchup at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m.

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