In desperate need of a win Rhode Island could not overcome several offensive droughts as it fell to Massachusetts 78-67 Saturday afternoon from the Ryan Center.
Trailing 12-6 five minutes into the game, the Rams (12-9, 3-6 Atlantic 10) had their best spurt of the game, using a 16-2 run to pull ahead 22-14 with just under eight minutes to go in the half. Antwan Walker had seven points during the run, capping it with back-to-back dunks during one of the most exciting stretches of the season.
However, UMass (10-11, 3-6 A-10) responded with an 11-0 run over the next 5:33 that featured 3-point baskets from Rich Kelly, Noah Fernandes and T.J. Weeks, Jr. The Minutemen rode the momentum, taking a 32-26 edge into the break after a pair of Kelly free throws in the final minute.
