NEWTON, Mass. - Graduate students Kevin Vanderhorst and Jonathan Friberg tallied a combined 32 points and 27 rebounds for the Lasell University men's basketball team during a 99-64 triumph over Great Northeast Athletic Conference-rival Anna Maria Saturday afternoon in the Athletic Center. 

The Lasers (13-9, 10-6 GNAC) honored Vanderhorst (16 points, 16 rebounds), Friberg (16 points, 11 rebounds) and seniors EJ Day (20 points, 8 assists, 4 steals, 3 rebounds) Kevin Nunez (14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), Liam Jacobs (2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block) and Zach Scott (2 assists). Friberg shot 7 of 10 from the field, while Vanderhorst went 5 for 10 from the field and 2 of 5 on 3-pointers.

"This is a very special group of seniors," said Lasell University Men's Basketball Head Coach Aaron Galletta. "They complement each other on the floor and really know how to play together. They set the tone from the tip tonight and executed on both ends of the floor."

Vanderhorst added, "Lasell men's basketball has always been there for me, even during my toughest moments. I cannot thank my teammates and Coach Galletta enough."

Freshman guard Conan McCusker tied a career-high with 15 points and set a personal record with five made 3-pointers. He shot 5 of 6 from deep. 

Jayden Dickerson scored a team-high 11 points and corralled six rebounds off the bench for the AMCATS (12-10, 8-7 GNAC). He shot 4 of 7 from the field and 2 of 4 on 3-pointers. Gabe Armstead contributed with nine points and seven boards for the visitors.

Vanderhorst put a stamp on a 12-0 run with a layup and gave the Lasers a 26-8 advantage with 8:06 remaining in the first half. A 13-0 surge, which concluded with a three-ball by McCusker, gave Lasell a 41-12 cushion with 4:41 on the scoreboard. Another three-ball by McCusker sent the hosts into halftime with a 51-19 advantage.

Day led the way in the second half, scoring 12 points. He shot 4 of 5 from the field, 2 of 3 on 3-pointers and 2 for 2 from the charity stripe. Vanderhorst and Friberg combined for nine points and 10 boards, as Lasell closed out a 35-point win.

Lasell shot 52.0% from the field (39 of 75) and 40.0% from beyond the 3-point line (12 for 30). The Lasers led the rebounding battle, 54-41, and held a 23-9 advantage in assists. The hosts won points in the paint, 46-30.

The Lasers will compete against GNAC-foe Regis Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Weston, Massachusetts.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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