BOSTON, Mass. - Despite dominating first half play and leading by 15 points early in the third quarter, the Western Connecticut State University women's basketball team fell victim to a furious rally from host UMass Boston, falling 60-44, in a Little East Conference battle on Wednesday evening at Clark Athletic Center. Rookie forward Nia Rencher (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.) paced the Wolves with 13 points and nine rebounds in the loss.

Sabanna Berrios led the Beacons comeback with a double-double on game-highs of 17 points and 15 rebounds. The visitors tallied 33 turnovers while the hosts committed just 21. UMass Boston netted 25 points off the turnovers and also shot a blistering 86 percent from the free throw line.

Things looked bright for the Wolves in the opening quarter as newcomer Cameron Froehlich (Brookfield, Conn.) sank a three-pointer, giving the visitors an early 15-6 lead. WestConn widened the gap to 27-13 just before halftime when first-year guard Deona Garcia (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) buried yet another trifecta.

The visitors would extend the lead to 15 with the opening hoop to begin the third quarter. However, it was all UMass Boston the rest of the way as they staged a dramatic come-from-behind victory. They erased the deficit to deadlock the count at 38-38 heading into the fourth when Sibayla Jensen raced in for a fast break layup. They continued to pour it on as they outscored WestConn 22-6 in the final stanza. 

With the heartbreaking loss, the Wolves dropped to 5-14 overall and 3-7 in league play, while the Beacons improved to 9-11 and 6-4. WestConn returns to the court when they travel to Vermont State University Castleton for another conference matchup on Saturday at 2 p.m.