BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University Men's Basketball team was unable to keep pace with a highly efficient UMass Boston squad on Saturday afternoon, falling 96–71 inside the Campus Recreation Center. The Beacons controlled the game for most of the contest, using balanced scoring, perimeter shooting, and points off turnovers to pull away in the second half.

UMass Boston jumped out early and carried a 41–30 lead into halftime after shooting over 50 percent from the field. Roger Williams briefly held the advantage at 20–19 midway through the first half, but the Beacons responded with a decisive run to regain control. UMass Boston continued to build momentum after the break, extending its lead to double figures early in the second half and holding the advantage for more than 36 minutes of game time.

The Hawks shot a solid 47.2 percent from the floor but struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 7-of-27 from three-point range. Turnovers proved costly for RWU, as 20 giveaways turned into 28 points for UMass Boston. The Beacons also controlled the paint, outscoring the Hawks 44–34 inside and adding 20 fast-break points.

Ryan Hammarlund (Southington, Conn.) and Finn Miller (Stamford, Conn.) led Roger Williams with 14 points apiece, while Ashton Leclerc (Gorham, Maine) added 12. Joey Dwyer (Pembroke, Mass.) knocked down a three-pointer late as the Hawks continued to battle through the final horn. RWU finished with 19 bench points and stayed competitive on the glass, trailing just 32–28 in total rebounds.

UMass Boston was paced by Cameron Perkins with 26 points, while Raphel Laurent added 25 and Steven Cordero chipped in 22. The Beacons shot 39.3 percent from three-point range and a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line, capitalizing on key possessions to stretch the margin late.

Roger Williams (6–5, 3-0 CNE) will look to regroup as it continues its schedule on Dec. 31 at Salve Regina, at 1:00 PM.