Willimantic, Conn. (Jan. 3, 2026) — The UMass Boston Beacons men's basketball team edged Eastern Connecticut State University in a tightly contested matchup Saturday night, earning an 83–79 road victory to improve to 3–0 in Little East Conference play. 

Davon Sanders opened the scoring for the Beacons just over a minute into the game, knocking down a three-pointer off an assist from Cameron Perkins. The contest featured back-and-forth action early until the 12-minute mark, when UMass Boston used a 6–0 run—highlighted by four made free throws—to take a 22–15 lead. 

Eastern Connecticut State responded with its largest run of the game, scoring 14 straight points to go ahead 29–22. The Warriors extended their advantage to eight points, 38–30, with under four minutes remaining in the first half. Sanders stopped the momentum with a pair of free throws, and Skyler Venezia followed with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to five. Venezia capped the half with a layup, sending the Beacons into halftime trailing just 40–37. 

The Warriors opened the second half with a three-pointer from Jalen Hamblen before Raphel Laurent answered at the free-throw line. Carson Meczywor added back-to-back layups, and Laurent followed with a basket of his own. Venezia then drilled a key three-pointer to give UMass Boston a 48–47 lead at the 16:05 mark. 

The teams traded leads throughout the remainder of the half in a tightly contested battle. Venezia connected on another three at 8:23 to put the Beacons ahead 64–60. UMass Boston maintained its lead until just over a minute remained, when the Warriors tied the game at 77–77. 

Perkins stepped up in the closing moments, converting three of his next four free throws, before Venezia added two more from the line. With the Beacons holding an 82–79 advantage, Steven Cordero sealed the win with a crucial steal and a free throw to secure the 83–79 victory. 

Laurent led all scorers with 29 points while also posting team highs of seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Perkins finished with 17 points, despite shooting 2-for-9 from the field, by converting 13 of 15 free throws. Sanders added 15 points, and Venezia chipped in 14 to round out four Beacons in double figures. 

As a team, UMass Boston shot an impressive 30-for-38 from the free-throw line, compared to Eastern Connecticut State's 16-for-26. 

Up Next 

The Beacons return home for another Little East Conference matchup on Tuesday, Jan. 6, when they host Western Connecticut State University at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.