March 6, 2004

Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. - Tony Dobbins scored five points in the last 1:40 Saturday to help Richmond escape with a 69-65 win over Massachusetts.

The Minutemen closed to within 63-60 with 2:00 remaining on two free throws by Rashaun Freeman, but Dobbins responded with a 3-pointer on the next possession to push the Spiders' lead to 66-60.

Massachusetts (10-18, 4-12 Atlantic 10) scored four straight points to cut the deficit to 66-64 on Jeff Viggiano's layup with 29 seconds to play.

Dobbins stretched the lead to four with 23.9 seconds on a pair of free throws.

The Spiders (18-11, 10-6), took control in the first half with a 23-7 run led by Mike Skrocki's 10 points and Patrick O'Malley's 6. Richmond led 45-32 at the half.

The Minutemen cut the lead to five with 13:17 left when Anthony Anderson made a 3-pointer to make the score 50-45. The closest the Minutemen got was two on Viggiano's layup.

Skrocki matched season-high with 24 points, 18 in the first half. Dobbins added 15 points 6 rebounds, 4 steals.

Freeman's 27 points led Massachusetts and Art Bowers added 12.

UMass men's basketball returns to action Wednesday, March 10 in the Atlantic 10 Tournament at Dayton. The Minutemen, as the four seed in the East will face Duquesne (11-16, 6-10), the five seed from the West. Tip off is slated for 7:00 p.m.