Dec 2, 2002

Box Score

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) - Ricardo Scott scored 18 points as Central Connecticut overcame a 15-point deficit in the second half and beat Massachusetts 46-45 Monday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

UMass (1-3) led 34-19 with 17:54 to go when Central went on a 22-7 run over the next 15:36 and tied the score at 41-41 on two free throws by Scott.

After Anthony Anderson and Micah Brand missed for UMass, Scott hit a 3-pointer to put Central ahead 44-41 with 1:35 to go. Marcus Cox's layup with 48.9 seconds remaining brought the Minutemen to within 44-43.

John Alexander's two free throws for Central with 10 seconds left increased the lead to 46-43.

UMass didn't get a 3-point shot attempt. A Jackie Rogers' layup at the buzzer accounted for the final score.

Scott scored 14 points in the second half for Central (2-1). He also added eight rebounds. Ron Robinson chipped in 11 points.

Rogers led UMass with 13 points and eight rebounds. Brand had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Central won without starting shooting guard Damian Battles, who was disciplined by coach Howie Dickenman for missing practice Thanksgiving.

Central avenged a 64-49 loss to the Minutemen last year at the Mohegan Sun Arena.