Dec 9, 2003

Box Score

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) - Ron Robinson's two free throws with 5.6 seconds left gave Central Connecticut a 53-52 victory over Massachusetts Tuesday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Robinson was fouled by Gabe Lee on a drive to the basket, and his two free throws gave him 21 points for the game.

UMass then inbounded the ball and Central committed its sixth foul of the half. Anthony Anderson of UMass then lost his dribble to Justin Chiera and the Blue Devils (2-1) had the victory.

Rashaun Freeman's 15 points led UMass (2-4).

Both teams were without a starter. Central forward Obie Nwadike was sick with a stomach disorder and didn't make the trip. UMass guard Art Bowers was recovering from a sprained right ankle.

Central was 5-for-10 on 3-pointers, with DeMario Anderson hitting 3-of-5, keeping them close to UMass in the first half.

The Blue Devils got into foul trouble in the first half, with Robinson and Rich Pittman sitting on the bench for nearly 10 minutes with two personals apiece.

With Robinson and Pittman on the bench, the Minutemen took advantage on the inside. Freeman scored 11 points to help the Minutemen to a 31-27 halftime advantage.

The Minutemen widened their lead to 41-32 early in the second half. But Central then outscored UMass 19-8 and took a 51-49 lead on a Robinson hook with just over four minutes to play.