UMass Boston lost a thriller 72-71 to Salve Regina on Tuesday, dropping to an even 1-1 on their new season. The Beacons couldn’t contain the Seahawks’ 6’8” stretch forward Jack Margoupis — finishing with 28 points — as he scored Salve’s final three field goals, including the game winner.
Margoupis wasn’t efficient, but he acted as a flamethrower, hitting big threes from a good ways beyond the arc in multiple clutch spots. Cameron Perkins, a UMass Boston star in the making, was subdued down the same stretch. Perkins struggled from the floor and the free throw line, particularly in the second half. He was 4/8 from the line overall — as a team, the Beacons shot 9/20 — and hit just one shot in the second.
“He’s really, really talented,” said head coach Jason Harris. “He’s just going to have to be more efficient. Some of that is him coming back from the injury and just trying to get where he was at when he left. But with him and Raphel [Laurent], those guys are going to get everybody’s main attention this year.”
Perkins and Laurent are the Beacons’ new go-to guys after their freshman years didn’t command as much attention, both on the floor and in the scouting report. “We’re just going to have to get more efficient, tighten up some things and work on some free throws,” said Harris.
Through two games, UMass Boston has shot 28% from three and just 51% on free throws.
For the second straight game, senior forward Connor Walden was left out of the starting lineup after starting their exhibition game against Harvard. Fellow senior Corrie Byrd has taken his place each time. “Connor is dealing with a little bit of health stuff. I wish he could have gave us some more minutes, it probably could have been the difference. But, he’s working his way back,” said Harris.
Walden played just 12 minutes against Salve, scoring 7 points off 3/3 shooting while grabbing 2 rebounds and a block and a steal each. Walden erupted with emotion at midcourt after hitting his only three.
Early on, it’s been the Beacons’ defense that’s stuck out. They’re out-stealing their opponents 22-9 through two games and have been handily winning the turnover battle. Laurent has picked up where he left off defensively from last year, but transfer guard Steven Cordero has also made a noticeable impact early on.
Cordero didn’t play the entire first half against Salve and logged just 10 minutes. He finished with 4 steals and helped the Beacons keep it close in the late minutes when Salve was pushing the pace. Cordero popped against Harvard but struggled to find success, shooting 0/5, in their first regular season game against Curry College.
“He’s a physical kid,” said Harris, referring to Cordero. “He knows only one way to play.” But he’s another guy coach Harris wants more consistency out of. The overall consistency of this talented team is going to be what to watch as the season continues to roll.
The Beacons next home game will be Nov. 18 against Fitchburg State College.
