Massachusetts (17-11) took an important step in the A-10 standings thanks to Rhode Island’s (17-11) recent shortcomings as the Minutemen took down the Rams 91-88.
Led by fourth-year Rahsool Diggins, now a part of the 1,000 points club, Massachusetts mounted a 12-point comeback with a 14-0 run. That run put the Minutemen up four points with 6:31 remaining. Rhode Island only made four more baskets and went without any points for over two minutes, twice.
Rhode Island’s offensive struggles to end the game were once again a result of an opposing coach, this time Frank Marin, switching to a zone defense. Martin made these adjustments following a Rhode Island offensive explosion not seen in months. The Rams had 56 points in the first half on 10 made 3s. Both of those numbers are season highs for any half this season. This offensive explosion was in no small part thanks to fourth-year David Green. The three-time transfer had a career-high eight made 3s and, in turn, a career-high 30 points to go with his 10 rebounds. Green was clearly frustrated with the loss as he made the rare social media post on the bus ride home.
“Finished [with] 30 [and] 10 but how do [you] lose that game,” Green wrote.
The only other Rams who scored over six points was third-year Jamarques Lawrence, who had 18 points, although 15 came in the first half. The other Ram was, of course, star point guard, fourth-year Sebastian Thomas. While he didn’t play his best game defensively, the Providence native finished with 17 points and nine assists. Outside of these three Rams, it was just a brutal night.
Not only did no Ram score more than six, but none of the other Rams reached more than three second-half points. That group of other guys played 53 minutes, only taking nine shots and making three of them.
Rhode Island’s defense is allowing 76.4 points per game during A-10 play. The only team worse is Fordham (11-18). Fordham once allowed this same UMass team to score 120 points. Rhode Island has now allowed 90 points in regulation twice. No other team in the A-10 has allowed 90 points in regulation besides Davidson (16-13) in their 92-90 loss to Rhode Island.
Massachusetts got a much more balanced offensive attack along with more organized and high-effort second-half defense. Second-year Jaylen Curry nearly matched his career high as he finished with 22 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. Curry was joined by fellow Charlotte native, third-year Daniel Hankins-Sanford; the other North Carolina product had a career 19 points and 12 rebounds. The two kids from N.C. played the role of Robin to Diggins’ Batman. Diggins scored 29 points, six assists, and three steals.
As a team, the Minutemen shot 7 of 11 from 3 in the second half. Massachusetts also came down with seven more second-half rebounds compared to Rhode Island. For the Rams, this game also marked the sixth game in a row in which the Rams failed to shoot 71% from the free-throw line.
UMass has now put themselves in a position to grab a single bye for the A-10 tournament, which seemed impossible after their 5-8 non-conference record. The Minutemen now sit in the 10 seed, just one game back of St. Bonaventure (19-10) and George Washington (19-11). The Bonnies and Minutemen are set to play each other this Wednesday. The battle for the single bye will occur in the Bonnies’ house.
For the Rams, this season is looking more and more like a failure. The Rams now have a 6-10 conference record, only winning back-to-back games once. With very little time left in the season, the Rams will have to stumble upon a miracle for this season to be considered a success, or maybe just a postseason win.
