ST THOMAS - University of Massachusetts men’s basketball (3-2) fell 69-65 to Charleston (3-3) on the opening day of the 2025 Paradise Jam on Friday afternoon at the University of the Virgin Islands.

The Minutemen were led by Marcus Banks Jr. , who scored a game-high 18 points, with four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Leonardo Bettiol followed closely with 14 points, five assists, three rebounds, and a pair of steals.

The Cougars were led by Jlynn Counte, who recorded 12 points going 4-for-5 from the field and perfect from the free-throw line.

Breaking Down the Action

K’Jei Parker ‘s basket from the top of the arc opened an early 7-0 run for the Minutemen to open the game.

Off a steal, Mister Dean gave the Cougars their first points of the night with 15:33 on the clock.

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