The Keene State College Men’s Basketball team is back over the .500 mark in Little East Conference thanks to a win against the University of Massachusetts Boston on Saturday, Jan. 30.

The Owls came out firing on all cylinders in the victory Saturday afternoon as they split the season series with Beacons 1-1. The Owls had a 35-20 lead at halftime over the Beacons. Junior Matt Ozzella finished with 17 points along with eight rebounds and Nate Howard recorded a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds for Keene State.

Keene State Interim Head Coach Ryan Cain said the Owls played a strong game defensively. “To hold a team to twenty-six percent shooting, you are doing something right,” Cain said.

Tim Smith / Photo Editor

In addition, Cain said he was pleased with his team’s effort in the first half. “We did a good job in the first half, especially defensively. We were focused and locked in. We shared the ball well and played together,” Cain said.

The Owls were outscored in the second half 34-32. However, the Owls biggest lead came in the second half with six minutes to go when Howard slammed down a dunk to make it 58-32 Keene State.

For the final five minutes, Cain emptied the bench and had his reserves play. Sophomore Jimmy Layman contributed with five points in five minutes. Also, first-year Charles McClain had four points.

The Beacons were led by Quadry Allen, who finished with 16 points to lead Beacons scorers.

The Owls, who are 5-4 in the LEC, will return to conference play on Saturday, February 6. The University of Southern Maine Huskies, who have a 6-3 record in the conference, will come to Keene for a 3 p.m. tip off. Prior to the start of the game, Keene State will honor the three seniors on the roster.

Brian can be contacted at bclemmenson@kscequinox.com