Nov 18, 2003

Box Score

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) - Anthony Anderson scored 21 points, including two 3-pointers in a key 18-2 second-half run, as Massachusetts pulled away for an 80-58 win over St. Francis, N.Y. in the first round of the Preseason National Invitation Tournament on Tuesday.

Much of the offense came inside as the Minutemen (1-0) scored 52 points in the paint. Sophomore Rashaun Freeman, who sat out last year under NCAA academic guidelines, showed few signs of rust with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Gabe Lee had 11 rebounds and seven blocks.

The Minutemen led 44-28 at halftime, but a combination of turnovers and 3-pointers by St. Francis brought the Terriers within five at 53-48 with 10:51 remaining.

But Stephane Lasme's two free throws started an 18-2 run that included four straight 3-pointers, two by Anderson and two by Art Bowers (14 points) that put the Minutemen comfortably ahead.

Christian Brown led the Terriers with 13 points and five rebounds.