PLYMOUTH, N.H. — UMass Boston men's basketball delivered a pivotal Little East Conference victory on Saturday, Feb. 14, defeating Plymouth State 78-70 at Foley Gymnasium. The Beacons controlled the contest from the outset and improved their season record to 16-8 behind impressive efforts from Davon Sanders and Raphel Laurent. 

UMass Boston set the tone early with an aggressive defense and efficient offense, building a double-digit cushion in the opening minutes. The Beacons moved ahead 36-25 by halftime, holding Plymouth State to just 25 points and forcing several turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. 

The Beacons' lead swelled to 19 points midway through the second half after a relentless stretch of scoring and lockdown defense. Plymouth State made a late push, trimming the deficit to four points with just over five minutes left, but UMass Boston responded with poise. Key free throws and timely defense prevented any sustained Panther comeback. 

A highlight dunk from Davon Sanders (Mansfield, Mass.) in the final seconds, assisted by Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.), punctuated the win. 

UMass Boston led for more than 39 minutes and kept their composure in the face of late pressure. 

By The Numbers 

Davon Sanders (Mansfield, Mass.) starred for the Beacons, scoring 26 points on seven of 12 shooting, including an 11-for-14 mark at the free-throw line. Sanders also added seven rebounds, two assists and three steals, playing all 40 minutes. 

Raphel Laurent (Peabody, Mass.) had 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists and five steals, matching Sanders with 40 minutes on the court. 

Cameron Perkins (Danbury, Conn.) provided 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Connor Walden (Marshfield, Mass.) added two blocks on the defensive end. 

The Beacons finished with 12 steals and forced numerous turnovers, converting them into 13 points. UMass Boston outscored Plymouth State in the paint 38-36 and took advantage of their opportunities at the charity stripe, making 26 of 39 free throws versus the Panthers' 18 attempts. 

For Plymouth State, Yansel Reyes tallied 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Keegan Martinez grabbed a game-high 14 boards. The Panthers finished the game on a strong note but could not overcome the Beacons' early dominance. 

UP NEXT 

UMass Boston returns to action at the Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium on Wednesday, Feb. 18, hosting UMass Dartmouth at 7 p.m.