DANBURY, Conn. – UMass Boston Men's Basketball (13-8, 9-3 LEC) dropped a crucial Little East Conference contest, 80-73 in overtime, to Western Connecticut State on Wednesday evening at Feldman Arena. The Beacons erased an 8-point halftime deficit to force overtime before being outscored 16-9 in the extra period.
Western Connecticut State set the tone early, jumping to a 36-28 lead at intermission thanks to its inside presence and rebounding advantage. UMass Boston responded after halftime with increased defensive energy and timely 3-point shooting, steadily chipping away at the deficit. The momentum swung in the final minute of regulation, as the Beacons' defense forced key stops and clutch baskets by Skyler Venezia and Cameron Perkins helped close the gap.
With just 31 seconds left in regulation, WestConn's Tayejon Lynch converted a game-tying and-one to knot the score at 64-64, sending the matchup into overtime. In the extra session, Raphel Laurent briefly tied it up at 71 with a pair of free throws, but the hosts responded with a go-ahead layup and never trailed again. The Beacons could not overcome WestConn's attack in the paint, ultimately falling short in a game with significant conference standings implications.
Skyler Venezia led UMass Boston with 19 points, including five 3-pointers, while adding five rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes. Raphel Laurent contributed 16 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks over a team-high 44 minutes. Connor Walden anchored the interior with 11 rebounds and nine points, and Cameron Perkins provided 15 points and six boards.
UMass Boston hit 11-of-34 shots from beyond the arc (32.4 percent), relying on the 3-point shot to keep pace, while WestConn dominated inside with a 44-18 advantage in points in the paint. The hosts also owned the glass with a 48-40 rebounding margin. The Beacons outscored WestConn 36-28 in the second half to force overtime, but could not sustain the run.
UP NEXT
The Beacons return home to the Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium to face Rhode Island College in another Little East Conference matchup Saturday at 3 p.m.
For the latest information on UMass Boston Men's Basketball, follow the Beacons on Twitter (@umbbeaconsmbb) and Instagram (@umbbeaconsmbb).
