Minutemen snap 4 game losing streak

KINGSTON, R.I. (WWLP) - Sensational defense and an uptempo style on offense catapulted UMass to a 66-60 win at Rhode Island on Saturday. The win ended a four-game losing skid for the Minutemen (14-11, 6-6 A-10) while the Rams (16-10, 7-5) saw their two-game win streak end. UMass limited Rhode Island to just 29.3 percent from the floor including just 1-of-19 from 3-point range.

The Minutemen outscored the Rams, 43-29 in the second half, keyed by a 23-6 run early in the period. Senior Anthony Gurley tallied 14 with 16 of his points coming in the final 20 minutes. Gurley was a demon on defense with 10 rebounds (nine defensive) and a career-high five steals. Redshirt freshman Raphiael Putney was clutch as he scored nine of his 11 points in the second half.

Sampson Carter had his best scoring game since Dec. 31 with 11 points. Rhode Island native Gary Correia also added 11 points and five assists.

Rhode Island cut what was an 11-point deficit to just three on several occasions in the final minutes, but the Minutemen were able to withstand the rush as Rhode Island missed many crucial free throws. For the game, Rhody was just 25-of-41 from the foul line (61 percent). UMass was whistled for 31 fouls, a season high.

UMass used that 23-6 run early in the second half as Putney scored seven straight points and Jesse Morgan capped the run with a 3-pointer with nine minutes left to give UMass a 46-39 lead.

The first half was an ugly one as UMass fell behind 32-23 at intermission. The teams combined to shoot 1-of-20 from 3-point range with URI missing all 11 of its treys.

UMass hosts Saint Joseph's on Wednesday at the Mullins Center at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet New England.