Seven Score In Double-Figures As UMass Pounds Jax State, 100-69

Nov. 25, 2006

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - UMass jumped out to a 18-2 lead and host Jacksonville State trailed by double-figures for the remainder of the game as the Minutemen moved to 5-1 with a 100-69 victory at the Pete Mathews Coliseum on Saturday night. It is UMass' best start since the Final Four seasons of 1995-96, when they got off to a 26-0 start. It is also the first time UMass scored 100 points in a game since Dec 22, 1999 that the Minutemen scored 100 points in a game.

Seven players scored in double-figures for UMass, which is believed to be a school record. Last season UMass had six players with 10 or more against Savannah State - that the first time UMass had that many in double-figures since 1991.

Junior Gary Forbes led the way with 20 points for the Minutemen as he has scored in a double-figures in all six games this season. The inside combination of seniors Rashaun Freeman (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Stephane Lasme (11 points, 10 rebounds) combined for 29 points and 20 rebounds in the victory.

James Life netted 11 points. Chris Lowe, Dante Milligan and Brandon Thomas all had 10 points off the bench.

Forbes scored a team-best 11 points in the first half as UMass led 47-28 at intermission.

The Minutemen dominated early with Freeman scored six points in the 18-2 run as UMass opened a lead of 23 points (38-15) on a 3-pointer by Brandon Thomas with 6:00 left in the first half. The largest lead was 24 points at 46-22 on a Chris Lowe 3-pointer.

UMass continues its Southern swing with its first-ever trip at Savannah State on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

Scoreboard