GORHAM, Maine  –  Graduate student Bryce Lausier (Glenburn, Maine/Hampden Academy) led the charge for the Huskies with a dominant double-double performance, racking up 31 points and 12 rebounds. His 18th double-double performance of the season, Lausier is now 4th in the nation. His partner in crime, junior Thomas Whelan (Bronx, NY/Fordham Prep) added 22 points and 8 rebounds, while sophomore Brady Saunders (Brewer, Maine) played the role of facilitator, leading the team with 6 assists and chipping in 11 points of his own.
 
Despite falling short, UMass Dartmouth saw solid contributions from Trent Santos and Ryan Flauto, who tied as the Corsairs' leading scorers with 13 points each. John Marcille controlled the glass for UMass Dartmouth, securing 8 rebounds.
 
The Records:
UMass Dartmouth (8-13, 5-7 Little East)
UMass Dartmouth: 9-14; 6-8 Little East
Southern  Maine 10-13; 6-0 Little East
 
Series History:
This matchup marked the 88th meeting between the Corsairs and Huskies. UMass Dartmouth still holds a 73-15 lead in the all-time series. For the second consecutive season, the teams split the series, each winning on their home court.
 
How It Happened:

• Slow Start: Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, with no points scored in the first two minutes. UMass Dartmouth's Camden Dichiara finally broke the drought with a free throw to give the Corsairs the first lead.
• Huskies Respond: Southern Maine quickly answered with a 6-0 run, setting the tone for the game.
• Lausier's Hot Start: Bryce Lausier wasted no time establishing himself, scoring 11 points in the first 11 minutes.
• Back-and-Forth Battle: Camden Dichiara kept the Corsairs in it, scoring 7 points early in the first half to tie the game at 19-19 with 9:30 left.
• Strong Finish to the Half: In the final four minutes of the first half, Bryce Lausier, Thomas Whelan, and Deigo Colon (New Braunfels, Texas) led the Huskies on a 12-3 run, sending them into the locker room with a comfortable lead.
• Second Half Action:
• Hot Start for Southern Maine: The Huskies came out firing, with five unanswered points from Brady Saunders extending their lead to 49-31 in the first two minutes.
• Corsairs Battle Back: While both teams found offensive success, Cam Dunbury's two big blocks helped UMass Dartmouth stay in the fight.
• Huskies Take Over: A 12-0 run in just two minutes put the game firmly in Southern Maine's control.
• Late Push Falls Short: The Corsairs attempted a last-minute comeback, outscoring the Huskies 11-6 in the final 3.5 minutes, but Thomas Whelan sealed the deal with two clutch free throws, securing the 89-73 victory for the Huskies.

 
Inside The Stats:

• Free Throws: Southern Maine dominated from the line, shooting an impressive 90.5%, compared to UMass Dartmouth's 43.8%.
• Points off Turnovers: The Huskies capitalized on mistakes, scoring 18 points off turnovers.
• Defensive Battle: Both teams tallied 7 steals, but UMass Dartmouth held the edge in blocks with 4 compared to Southern Maine's 2.
• Field Goal Efficiency: Southern Maine's 57.1% shooting on two-pointers and 30% from three outshined UMass Dartmouth's 38.7% and 25.8%, respectively.

 
Up Next:
The Huskies final two regular season games are on the road before the 2025 Little East Conference playoffs beginning, Tuesday, February 25. Southern Maine will face Plymouth State on Wednesday, February 19 (7:30 pm). 
 
 
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