Feb 27, 2002

Box Score |  Notes

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) - Shannon Crooks scored 23 points and added seven rebounds and six assists as Massachusetts beat Rhode Island 79-69 on Wednesday.

Crooks, among four UMass seniors playing their last home game, hit 10 of 14 attempts from the field, including three of six 3-pointers.

Kitwana Rhymer and Anthony Anderson both scored 13 points for UMass (12-14, 6-9 Atlantic 10).

Dustin Hellenga scored 16 points to lead Rhode Island (7-19, 3-12).

Leading 36-28 at halftime, UMass extended its advantage to 17 on four separate occasions. The Rams made a 12-4 run midway though the second half to make it 57-48, but the Minutemen held them off down the stretch.

Rhode Island lost despite putting four players in double figures and hitting 14 of 14 free throw attempts.

Lazare Adingono, Dinno Daniels and Troy Wiley scored 10 points each for Rhode Island.