BOSTON, Mass. (January 31, 2026) — Despite battling back from multiple deficits and holding a late lead in the fourth quarter, the UMass Boston women's basketball team (11-8, 5-5 LEC) fell to Eastern Connecticut State University (8-11, 5-5 LEC), 60–54, Saturday afternoon in Little East Conference action at the Clark Athletic Center.
The Beacons trailed by as many as seven in the opening quarter but settled in offensively behind a balanced attack. Ashleigh Lagor (Millbury, Mass.) scored consistently in the paint early, while Jordis Tautalatasi (Springfield, Mass.) knocked down a first-quarter three to keep UMass Boston within striking distance. Eastern Connecticut used timely perimeter shooting to build a 24–18 edge after one.
UMass Boston responded in the second quarter, tightening defensively and finding success in transition. Madison Haggett (Londonderry, N.H.) and Tajeiha Madison (Brockton, Mass.) each finished at the rim, and Lagor converted multiple interior opportunities as the Beacons pulled within four at halftime, trailing 32–28.
The Beacons carried that momentum into the third quarter. Tautalatasi drilled a three to tie the game at 35, and Madison came off the bench to spark an 8–0 run, highlighted by back-to-back fast-break triples, giving UMass Boston its largest lead of the afternoon at 41–35 midway through the frame. The Beacons continued to pressure defensively, forcing turnovers and converting at the line to take a 46–42 advantage into the final quarter.
Eastern Connecticut opened the fourth quarter with renewed energy, using a 9–2 run to regain the lead. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with Lagor scoring inside and Madison finishing on the break to keep the Beacons within one possession. However, the Warriors capitalized at the free-throw line in the final minute, while UMass Boston was unable to convert on late perimeter looks.
Lagor led the Beacons with 10 points, while Madison added eight points off the bench. Sabanna Berrios (North Providence, R.I.) contributed seven points and a team-high eight rebounds, and Tautalatasi finished with six points, six rebounds, and three steals. UMass Boston forced 17 turnovers on the afternoon.
The Beacons return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 4, when they continue conference play against Western Connecticut State University at 5:00 p.m. in Danbury, Connecticut.
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