BOSTON, MA (November 8, 2025) – Powered by a 24-point performance from 2024 Little East Conference Rookie of the Year, sophomore guard Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.), the UMass Boston men's basketball team (1-0) opened its 2025–26 season with an impressive 76–67 home win over the Curry College Colonels (0-1) on Saturday afternoon.
First Half
Laurent got things rolling for the Beacons with a contested layup to open the scoring, setting the tone for the new campaign. All five starters found the scoresheet within the first ten minutes, highlighting UMass Boston's balanced offensive attack. Midway through the half, the Beacons built a 13-point advantage and extended it to 15 with three minutes left before halftime. Junior forward Skyler Venezia (North Haledon, N.J.) capped the half with a tough turnaround jumper in the post to give UMass Boston a 12-point cushion at the break. The Beacons shot an efficient 47% (16-of-34) from the field and 33% (4-of-12) from beyond the arc in the opening frame.
Second Half
Curry battled back by capitalizing at the free-throw line, cutting the deficit to two (52–50) with just over ten minutes to play. The Beacons responded with composure, rebuilding a double-digit lead behind quick transition baskets, trips to the line, and strong interior play. UMass Boston closed out the contest with steady free-throw shooting, as Davon Sanders (Mansfield, Mass.) sealed the win with the team's final points from the stripe.
By the Numbers
Laurent led seven Beacons on the scoresheet with 24 points on 50% shooting (11-of-22) from the field, including 2-of-5 from three-point range, while adding two steals and a team-high five assists. Sanders and sophomore forward Cameron Perkins (Danbury, Conn.) each added 16 points. Perkins shot 53% (7-of-13) from the floor and 66% (2-of-3) from deep, contributing three rebounds and two steals. Sanders went 10-of-14 from the free-throw line to go along with three made field goals, including a highlight-reel alley-oop from Perkins that extended the Beacons' lead back to 12 in the second half. Junior forward Corrie Byrd (Cambridge, Mass.) nearly posted a double-double with eight points (4-of-5 FG), a team-high 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Who's Next
UMass Boston men's basketball returns to action on Tuesday, November 11, at 1:00 p.m. when they host Salve Regina University inside Clark Gymnasium.
--LIGHT THE LANTERN--
