UMass Boston Beacons Struggling to Stay in Playoff Race

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UMass Boston Beacons fighting hard during a recent game.

News Summary

The UMass Boston Beacons women’s basketball team is facing challenges in their pursuit of playoff contention after suffering significant losses. Their recent games against Southern Maine and Keene State have left their record at 8-14 overall and 5-8 in the Little East Conference. Despite strong defensive efforts and standout performances from players, the team is struggling to find consistency as they look to rebound and keep their playoff hopes alive in the remaining games of the season.

UMass Boston Beacons Stumble in Recent Games, Struggling to Maintain Playoff Hopes

Boston, MA – The UMass Boston Beacons women’s basketball team has recently experienced a rough patch, suffering significant losses against the Southern Maine Huskies and the Keene State Owls. Following these setbacks, the team’s record has dropped to 8-14 overall and 5-8 in Little East Conference (LEC) play, putting their playoff aspirations in jeopardy.

The Clash with Southern Maine

On February 5, the Beacons faced Southern Maine in a crucial matchup that many fans hoped would propel them toward a playoff position. However, right from the start, the game became challenging for UMass Boston. The Huskies stormed out of the gate, establishing a staggering 16-0 lead within the first five minutes. This impressive burst was powered by a flurry of three-pointers from Liz Cote and Dakota Shipley, leaving the Beacons scrambling to find their footing.

After a rocky start, it was Sabanna Berrios who finally put the Beacons on the board, scoring their first points with a free throw at the end of the first quarter to make the score 16-1. Unfortunately, the deficit grew even larger as Southern Maine continued to dominate, pushing the score to 25-1. Despite the alarming difference, UMass Boston head coach Heather Jacobs adjusted the team’s strategy and implemented a 2-3 defense aimed at consolidating the paint. However, this strategy opened the door for even more advantageous three-point chances for the Huskies.

Defensive Intensity Shines Despite the Score

Throughout the matchup, the Beacons maintained strong defensive intensity. Junior Tatianah Fervy showcased her ability to create space but struggled with shooting accuracy throughout the game. Leading scorer Sabanna Berrios, despite an off night in terms of shooting, managed to score impressively from the free throw line, going 7 for 10. Vanessa Bucha made her mark as well, scoring 4 for 10 from the field and knocking down the only three-pointer for the Beacons while consistently contributing on defense.

As the game progressed, the Beacons fought hard to close the gap, managing to reduce their deficit to 22 points by the end of the third quarter. However, Southern Maine’s consistent and effective three-point shooting solidified their position, leading to a final score of 69-43 in favor of the Huskies. Liz Cote finished with a game-high 22 points, including a deep three-pointer to seal the victory.

Second Chance Against Keene State

On February 8, UMass Boston had an opportunity to rebound against the Keene State Owls. The game started on a positive note for the Beacons, who held a slender three-point lead at halftime. Unfortunately, disaster struck in the third quarter as the Beacons were outscored 20-8, leading to yet another disappointing loss.

In this contest, Sabanna Berrios stood out, showcasing her skills with an efficient performance that netted her 15 points and 6 rebounds. Adding to the scoring efforts were freshman Tajeiha Madison and sophomore Hialeah Turner-Foster, who combined for an impressive 26 points off the bench. Despite their contributions, the Beacons fell short again, with the loss driving their record further down to 5-8 in LEC play and 8-14 overall.

Looking Ahead

This recent stretch has been tough for the Beacons, but there are lessons to be learned moving forward. Coach Jacobs has expressed that each loss provides an opportunity for growth and improvement. With the season still unfolding, fans are hopeful that the Beacons can rally as they aim for redemption in upcoming games and keep their playoff dreams alive.