Masciarelli and Arsenault lead Lasers to season-high output

NASHUA, N.H. – Sophomore Stefan Masciarelli (Northbridge, Mass.) and senior Scott Arsenault (Walpole, Mass.) combined for 52 points Thursday evening as Lasell College rolled past Rivier University, 98-77, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) men's basketball game at Muldoon Gymnasium.

Masciarelli was the game-high scorer with 28 points, making 11-of-15 field goal attempts, while Arsenault matched his season-high with 24 points, shooting lights out from beyond the arc with a season-high eight three pointers on 12 attempts. Freshman Liam Jacobs (Plainfield, Conn.) connected for 16 points and added a team-high nine rebounds while senior Dannie Moore (Orlando, Fla.) chipped in with 10 points.

The Lasers, who recorded a 52.4 shooting percentage while scoring a season-high 98 points, won for the sixth time in their last eight outings to improve to 8-9 overall and 6-2 in the GNAC. The loss sends the Raiders to 1-18 overall with a 0-10 mark in the conference.

Rivier saw four student-athletes reach double figures led by sophomore Issaiah Chappell (Sunapee, N.H.) who registered 19 points off the bench. Classmate Tristian Givens (Windsor, Conn.) knocked down 17 points and freshman Tarik Rivers (Stamford, Conn.) netted 16 points in the loss. Freshman Glenn Jones (Norwalk, Conn.) chipped in with 10 points for the Raiders.

After an early 7-7 tie, Lasell scored 12 consecutive points in the first half to reach a double-digit lead. The surge included a two baskets by Masciarelli and a pair of threes from Arsenault. Rivier pulled to within three points (32-29) after a three-pointer by K.J. Bennett (Dorchester, Mass.), but Lasell outscored the home team 24-3 over the final seven minutes of the half to take a 56-32 bulge into the locker room. Masciarelli had 19 points and Arsenault 15 at the break.

The visitors maintained a 20-point margin most of the second half and coasted the victory.

Lasell is back in action on Saturday (Jan. 27) with a visit to Norwich University (3:00 p.m.) while Rivier will enjoy a rare weekend off due to conference scheduling and will return to action on Tuesday evening at home against Emmanuel College.

(With contributions from Rivier Sports Information)

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