This season has been an up and down one for the men’s basketball team. Last Saturday was definitely an up point.

Sophomore Billy Allen had his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and grabbing a dozen rebounds as the UMass Boston Beacons secured its first Little East Conference (LEC) victory of the season 60-43over the Warriors of Eastern Connecticut State (ECS) at the Clark Athletic Center. The Beacons’ overall record is now at .500 (6-6). Their LEC record improves to 1-2.

The game was no means a masterpiece by UMB. Both teams stumbled offensively in the opening minutes. The Beacons played a little bit better defense in the early going which helped them built a modest 4-point lead. Roderic J. Joseph (game high 15 points) warmed out as the half wore on, hitting several jumpers from the outside. Roger Perry joined the outside J parade by draining several of his own shots. The Beacons executed their fastbreak with precision and hustle. A final layup at the end of the half by Perry extended the lead to 20, the largest of the game for the Beacons.

The first twelve minutes of the second half were ones that the Beacons would just as soon as forget. The team had a scoreless stretch of over seven minutes and shot 3 for 16 from the field before sophomore Geoff Ponitz grabbed an offensive rebound and placed off the glass for two.

The only good thing was the ECS’s offense was equally ineffective, only managing to cut the Beacon halftime lead to 14 during that time. Play was chaotic and dysfunctional for some time for both teams. UMB coach Charlie Titus regularly sent in subs to spark the offense, but little resulted from it. Ultimately, it did not become a factor, as the Beacons sank enough free throws down the stretch to dissipate any thoughts of a ECS comeback

The Beacons next play on Saturday, January 18, against LEC rival Western Connecticut State at 3pm.