Rhode Island Starters
Sebastian Thomas, Ishmael Leggett, Makhi Mitchell, Makhel Mitchell, Ishmael El-Amin
 
UMASS Starters
Trent Buttrick, Noah Fernandes, C.J. Kelly, Rich Kelly, T.J. Weeks
 
How it Happened
Rhode Island could not overcome several offensive droughts as it fell to Massachusetts 78-67 Saturday afternoon.

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.

Rhode Island managed to get back to a one possession game on an Ishmael Leggett layup two minutes into the second half. However, UMass used its shooting to keep URI at an arm's length. Weeks scored 22 of his game-high 30 points in the second half as the Minutemen never rescinded their lead. Despite the hot shooting by UMass, Rhody found itself down 55-52 after an Ismael El-Amin layup on the fast break with 10:59 to go. The teams traded baskets until a Ishmael Leggett basket made it a four point game, with the Rams down 60-56.

UMass went on an 11-0 run for the second time in the game to open a 15-point lead. Rhode Island was scoreless for 4:28 as the Minutemen were able to put the game away and send the Rams to their fifth consecutive loss.

Inside the Box

• Guard Ishmael Leggett led Rhode Island with a career-high 21 points. He added five rebounds and three steals.
• Leggett was 8-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-5 from the perimeter.
• Forward Makhi Mitchell recorded his fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 13 points, 13 rebounds and a team-high six assists. He also blocked four shots.
• Forward Antwan Walker added 13 points and five rebounds.
• Guard Jeremy Sheppard chipped in nine points off the bench.
• Massachusetts made 10 3-point baskets, six of which came from T.J. Weeks, Jr.
• Rhode Island struggled at the free throw line, hitting 9-of-18.
• The teams combined for 36 turnovers, 20 of which were committed by URI.

Up Next
Rhode Island is back at it on Tuesday night at VCU.  Tip off at the Siegel Center is at 7 p.m. on CBSSN.