AMHERST, Mass. — In an impressive display of skill, Malek Abdelgowad led the University of Massachusetts (UMass) to a commanding victory over UMass-Boston, finishing the game with 26 points in a final score of 86-52 on Saturday.

Abdelgowad’s notable performance wasn’t just limited to scoring; he also secured 14 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Minutemen’s success. Daniel Rivera chipped in with 11 points while shooting 4 of 6 from the field and going 3 of 7 at the free-throw line, and he too added 10 rebounds to the team’s effort. Moreover, Jaylen Curry contributed 10 points, making 4 of his 7 attempts from the field.

On the opposing side, Cameron Perkins emerged as the top scorer for the Beacons, recording 13 points along with six rebounds and two steals. His teammate, Xavier McKenzie, matched his scoring output with another 13 points, while also achieving two steals and two blocks. Raphel Laurent contributed with eight points to the Beacons’ tally.

From the onset of the matchup, UMass established a lead with 15:49 left in the first half and maintained their advantage throughout the game. By halftime, the score stood at 47-24, aided particularly by Abdelgowad’s 18 first-half points. The Minutemen continued to dominate in the second half, extending their lead to 66-36, highlighted by a remarkable 14-2 run. Abdelgowad also excelled in the latter half, scoring eight of his points as UMass secured the victory.

In summary, UMass showcased a strong performance, where Abdelgowad was the standout player, driving his team to a comprehensive win over UMass-Boston.