Lasers' Updates 12/09/2008

December 9, 2008

Men's Basketball

The Lasers went 1-1 this week and 1-0 in the conference, opening in the GNAC with a 68-57 win over Rivier College. During the game, senior captain Brad Caravoulias (Dracut, Mass.) scored his 1,000th career point on his first shot attempt, having needed only two points to reach the milestone. Caravoulias (right) is the ninth Laser in men's basketball history to record over 1,000 points in a career. He currently has 1,009 points after finishing the Rivier game with 11 total points.

The Lasers came out ahead early against the Raiders, going up by as much as 10 in the first half. Sophomore guard Corey Godfrey (Cambridge, Mass.) scored 12 first half points in just ten minutes to help the Lasers pick up the advantage. Though the Raiders closed the game within three in the second half, an ally-oop dunk by Jose Guitian (Miami, FL) sent from Kevin Richard (New Orleans, LA) put the game away for Lasell.

Guitian finished with a team high 21 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Godfrey had 16 total points and Junior Sainval (Miami, FL) finished with 12 points.

Prior to the Rivier match, Lasell faced tenth ranked Amherst College on the road. Lasell played tight with the Lord Jeff's, even as they shot an unbelievable 70% from the field. The Lasers kept the game within 6-7 points for the majority of the first half, and went into the half only 5 points behind Amherst.

With about ten minutes remaining in the second half, the Jeff's ran away with a commanding lead from which Lasell never recovered. Amherst defeated Lasell 104-77. Guitian was the high scorer of the contest with 28 points and Caravoulias added 18.

Lasell currently stands at 2nd in the GNAC in field goal percentage (47.7%), 1st in free throw percentage (76.5%), 1st in three point field goal percentage (45.4%), and 1st in defensive rebounding (36.0 rpg).

Individually, Guitian is third in the GNAC for scoring and second in rebounding, averaging 20.8 points per game and 9.6 rebounds. Guitian (left) was also selected as the GNAC Player of the Week for his 49 points and 16 rebound week.

Caravoulias is ranked second in the GNAC in three point field goals made, averaging 3.0 per game for 15 total, and Sainval is second in three point field goal percentage, shooting 57.1%. Richard is still topping the league with 7.2 assists per game.

Women's Basketball

The Lasers dropped two non-conference games this week, ending the week with a 2-5 overall record. Lasell first faced University of New England in a tough road game that ended in a 41-89 loss. The Nor'Easters shot nearly 60% in the first half to take a fourteen point lead at the half. The hosts then expanded their lead by dominating in the post because of a significant height advantage.

Katie Farr (Rindge, NH) and Shauna Kelly (Quincy, Mass.) each accumulated 10 points as well as combined for 9 rebounds and 5 assists.

The Lasers then traveled to neighboring Regis College to take on the Pride. The Lasers remained in a close contest during the first until about 9 minutes remained. At that point, the Pride took over, forcing Lasell turnovers and pushing for quick transition baskets. The Lasers ended down by 27 at the half.

After the break the Lasers attempted to inch their way back into the contest, unfortunately, the Pride's lead was considerable and the Lasers were unable get back within a threatening position. Regis took the game 84-61.

For Lasell, Tricia Culver (N. Hampton, Mass.) was a huge presence in the post. Culver scored a game, season, and career high 23 points while also producing 8 rebounds. Kelly also provided Lasell with 21 points and 6 rebounds in a fine performance.

Freshman guard Kelsey Converse (Laconia, NH) and freshman guard Victoria Elms (Glastonbury, Conn.) got their first starts of the season for the Lasers, and freshman guard Amanda Driscoll (Roslindale, Mass.) gave a great all-around show for Lasell. Driscoll had 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks, and played strong defensively.

Upcoming Games:

Tuesday, December 9th-

- Men's Basketball vs. Norwich @ 6:00

- Women's Basketball vs. PSU @ 8:00

Thursday, December 11th-

- Womens' Basketball vs. Gordon @ 7:00

- Men's Basketball @ Babson, 6:00

Saturday, December 13th-

- Men's Basketball vs. St. Joe's ME, 2:00

- Women's Basketball @ Westfield State, 1:00

Home games bold.