GORHAM, ME (January 28, 2026)— The UMass Boston men's basketball team (12-7, 8-2 LEC) showed resiliency and flashes of strong two-way play Tuesday night but ultimately fell on the road to the University of Southern Maine (12-7, 7-3), 105–63, at Hill Gymnasium.
The Beacons battled through a challenging opening half against a hot-shooting Huskies squad, generating quality looks and forcing turnovers early before Southern Maine used an extended run to take control. Despite the deficit, UMass Boston continued to compete on both ends and put together an improved second half highlighted by ball movement, defensive pressure, and contributions throughout the rotation.
Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.) led UMass Boston with 13 points, attacking the paint and converting 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, while adding an assist and a steal. Laurent paced the Beacons offensively during a stretch that saw UMass Boston trim the margin late in the first half.
Skyler Venezia Noth Haledon, NJ) and D'Anthony Amado (Brockton, Mass.) each chipped in eight points, with Venezia knocking down a pair of three-pointers and Amado going a perfect 6-for-6 at the line, continuing his steady play off the bench. Carson Meczywor (Adams, Mass.) added five points and a team-high two steals, while Fendi Francois (Somerville, Mass.) provided a spark inside with five rebounds in nine minutes.
UMass Boston showed its defensive activity early, recording 10 steals on the night and forcing Southern Maine into 19 turnovers, including multiple live-ball takeaways that led to transition opportunities. The Beacons also controlled stretches on the glass, finishing with 37 rebounds, led by Steven Cordero's (Everett, Mass.) six boards.
The Beacons opened the second half with improved efficiency, shooting over 31 percent from the field after the break while continuing to get to the free-throw line. UMass Boston finished the game 24-of-29 (82.8%) from the stripe, a bright spot that helped sustain offensive momentum throughout the night.
UMass Boston will look to build on its defensive pressure, free-throw efficiency, and balanced scoring as it prepares for its next Little East Conference matchup on Saturday January 31, as they play host to the Warriors of Eastern Connecticut State from the Calrk Gymnasium at 3:00 PM.
--FIND A WAY--
