University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Boston University
Minutemen Survive Boston University 56-54 For Fifth Road Win Of Season
December 06, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 6, 2006
BOSTON - Led by Rashaun Freeman's 20 points, 14 of which were in the second half, the UMass used a strong second half push to get by Boston University in the Minutemen's first trip to Agganis Arena. The win is the ninth consecutive for UMass over the Terriers and improves UMass to 7-2 overall heading into Saturday's game agaisnt Central Connecticut State at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
The win at Agganis continued UMass' road-warrior ways this season. The Minutemen improved to 5-1 in games on the road after the win - its most wins on the road since posting eight victories in 2000-01.
UMass led by as many as 12 twice in the second half over the Terriers (3-5) after a slow starting first half. Boston University cut into UMass' 27-24 halftime lead closing the gap to one, 27-26, two minutes into the second half. The Minutemen, led by an eight point spurt from Freeman, went on a 15-to-4 run after that point to gain their first 12 point advantage of the game at the 12 minute mark.
The Terriers continued to chip away throughout the remainder of the second half pulling within three with 1:31 remaining in the game on a lay-up by Corey Lowe after trailing by 10. Ibrahim Konate then hit the second of two free throws to cap an 8-to-0 run with 58 seconds to play.
UMass missed two shots on the ensuing possession and Tyler Morris hit an apparent game-winning three-pointer with 4.2 seconds remaining until the referees waived it off as a BU timeout was called by Dennis Wolff just before the shot was taken. Carlos Strong pulled the trigger on another trey under duress as time was expiring, but it was just off as UMass survived for the win.
UMass shot just over 45 percent for the game hitting 19-for-42 from the floor. Free throws were again a weak point as UMass hit just 14-for-25 (56 percent). The Terriers shot just under 40 percent converting 21-for-53 from the floor.
Along with Freeman's 20 points, Stephane Lasme (Libreville, Gabon) added 12 and Brandon Thomas (San Antonio, Texas) scored 10 off the bench. UMass had 15 assists on 19 baskets paced by Chris Lowe (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) who had six for the game.
Bench points were key for UMass on the night as the Minutemen reserves outscored BU 18-to-8. The Terriers did convert 22 UMass turnovers into 26 points.
The Minutemen will next face Central Connecticut State at the Mohegan Sun on Saturday night.
