Newton, MA – The Lasell Lasers won in historic fashion on Thursday night, as they defeated the Rivier Raiders by a score of 91-34. The Lasers are now 9-11 overall, and 6-7 in conference play, while Rivier is now 2-20 and 0-14. The 57-point margin of victory ties the Lasers' 112-55 win over Elms on 1/24/2002 for largest margin of victory in school history. The 34 points allowed broke the program record for fewest points allowed in a game by the Lasers. The previous record was 40, which was done three times in the 2004-2005 season.
The two teams felt each other out in the early minutes, with the Lasers holding a 9-6 lead at the first media timeout. But the Lasers would soon takeover, as they went on a 22-5 run to take control. They would hold a 38-20 lead at the half.
The Lasers ramped it up even more in the second half, opening the half on a 19-2 run, taking a 57-22 lead with 12 minutes remaining. A separate 22-2 run made it a 81-29 lead for Lasell. Some of the loudest cheers from the crowd on the night came late in the game on baskets from Joseph Gattuso, Benny Martinez, Prashant Haley, and Jordan Lanoue. The Lasers would end the record breaking night on a 10-2 run, and win the game 91-34.
In total, 14 different players scored for the Lasers, led by EJ Day's 25. Day made his mark at the free throw line, going 11-15 from the charity stripe. Behind him was Demerrick Warren with 18 points, all of which came on three-pointers. On the boards, Quinton Partee Jr. led the way with nine, while Warren had eight, and Almando Marinez grabbed seven rebounds.
Up next – The Lasers will play in an important GNAC game against Anna Maria on Saturday, February 4th. That game will be on the road, and start at 12pm.