AMHERST, Mass. (December 22, 2025) — For the second consecutive season, the UMass Boston men's basketball team traveled west to the Mullins Center for an NCAA Division I test against UMass Amherst, giving the Beacons a look at elite competition as they head into the second half of their schedule.

Sophomore guard Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.) opened the scoring for UMass Boston, going 1-for-2 from the free-throw line before converting the Beacons' first field goal on a layup.

Defensively, the Beacons were active in the opening half, forcing six steals and recording one block. Sophomore center Mikell Orellus (Randolph, Mass.) anchored the effort with two steals, while Corrie Byrd (Cambridge, Mass.) added a block. Laurent led all Beacons offensively in the first half with 11 points and four rebounds, and sophomore guard Davon Sanders (Mansfield, Mass.) directed the offense with a pair of assists.

Laurent finished the contest with a team-high 19 points. All members of the Beacons' roster saw time on the floor, including underclassmen sophomores D'Anthony Amado (Brockton, Mass.) and Orellus, along with first-year players Jude Gonzales (South Windsor, Conn.) and Seun Sorinmade (Easton, Mass.), who gained valuable experience against Division I competition. Gonzales knocked down his first career three-pointer, showcasing offensive promise from the perimeter.

Senior Carson Meczywor (Adams, Mass.) set the tone defensively during his minutes, guarding multiple positions and playing physically despite size mismatches. Meczywor recorded two of UMass Boston's nine total steals. Erik Donaldson (East Longmeadow, Mass.) and Byrd combined for three blocks, while Laurent and Sanders led the team on the glass with five rebounds apiece.

The Beacons return to non-conference action following the holiday break, traveling to New York, N.Y. to face the City College of New York on Sunday, December 28. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.

— LIGHT THE WAY —