BOSTON, MA (November 25, 2025) — Backed by a combined 47 points from sophomores Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.) and Cameron Perkins (Danbury, Conn.), the UMass Boston men's basketball team (2-4) handed Wheaton College (5-2) its second loss of the season in a thrilling finish at the Clark Gymnasium.

The Beacons asserted offensive dominance in the first half, outscoring the Lyons 42–27 on 60 percent shooting (17–28) from the field, including 50 percent (3–6) from three-point range, and 83 percent (5–6) from the free-throw line. Laurent led UMass Boston with 14 first-half points, followed by 12 from Perkins. The Beacons also tallied two steals and two blocks, holding the Lyons to just 27 points on 44 percent shooting (12–27).

The second half was a tale of two halves, as the Lyons flipped the script and controlled the offensive momentum. At the 13-minute mark, Wheaton went on a 21–8 run to tie the game at 64 with just under five minutes remaining. From there, it became a defensive battle, with only two field goals combined following the tie. Perkins converted an inside finish to briefly give the Beacons a two-point advantage, before Steven Cordero (Everett, Mass.) stepped to the line and calmly knocked down both free throws.

With UMass Boston clinging to a two-point lead, Clayton McLaren (Brockton, Mass.) drilled a clutch corner three to push the Beacons ahead by five with less than 30 seconds remaining. The Beacons held on the rest of the way to secure their second win of the season.

Perkins finished with a game-high 24 points on 9-of-17 (53 percent) shooting, including 3-of-4 (75 percent) from three, while adding six rebounds, one block, and one steal. Laurent followed with 23 points and a game-high nine rebounds.

The Beacons return to action on Sunday, November 30, when they travel to Waltham, Mass. to take on Brandeis University.

— LIGHT THE LANTERN —