'BOSTON, MA. 12/7/02  –  Derek Swenson (Attleboro, MA.) poured in a career-high 27 points in 27 minutes of play to lead the Keene State College men's basketball team over UMA-Boston, 87-78, in a Little East Conference game played Saturday at the Clark Athletic Center in Boston.

The Owls improve to 6-0 and notch their first LEC win of the season. The Beacons fall to 3-3 (0-1 LEC).

Coming off Thursday's high intensity win over Southern Vermont, the Owls were sluggish at the start falling behind 11-2.  UMB held the lead throughout the first half and were up 41-39 with 18:29 to play following a three-point play by Paul Kemp. "I think Thursday's game affected us," said KSC Coach Rob Colbert.  "We were fatigued and that showed on the court with our sloppy play and numerous turnovers."

Keene State finally got into gear with a 28-10 run, fueled by Swenson's 14 points, to take a 67-51 lead with 11:03 left to go in the period.  The Beacons would get no closer than seven points the rest of the way as the Owls cruised to their sixth straight victory.

"The victory showed the character of the team," Colbert said.  "Last year we had Dave Stantial to put up 30 points.  That's not the case this year.  Every game we have different people stepping up. "

In addition to Swenson, Colbert commended the play of freshman Sean Sullivan (Athol, MA.), Matt Wheeler and Brandon Johnason for giving the team a much-need help in the post.  "It just shows the makeup of this year's team," Colbert said.

Swenson was 9-for-14 from the field, including two-for-four from three-point range.  Chris Timson (Beverley, MA.) had 19 points and a team-high nine rebounds.  Matt Wheeler (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) had another solid game with  13 points and five rebounds.  Sullivan, who saw additional playing time with Pierce Jackson leaving the team, responded with a season best 16 points and five rebounds in his 16 minutes of play. KSC spent a good deal of time at the line hitting 33 of 44 free throws.

Kemp finished with 13 points Roderic Joseph and Lester Robinson added 12 points each to lead the Beacons.

The Owls are off until next Saturday when they travel to Southern ME.

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