University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
California All Stars (exhibition)
UMass Basketball Wins Exhibition Opener
November 04, 1999 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 4, 1999
AMHERST, Mass. ? The University of Massachusetts men?s basketball team opened the 1999-2000 season with an impressive offensive showing, downing the California All-Stars 103-97 in an exhibition game at the Mullins Center. Sophomore guard Shannon Crooks (Everett, Mass.) led the Minutemen with 24 points and seven assists, while senior forward Chris Kirkland (Timmonsville, S.C.) added 26 points and six rebounds.
UMass opened the game with a 17-8 run and never trailed in the contest, behind its potent fast-break offense. The Minutemen saw their lead grow as large as 14 points with just under five minutes remaining in the game, before a late spurt by the All-Stars made the final score look close. UMass scored 30 fast break points on the evening, while also totaling 72 points in the paint.
Freshman forward Micah Brand (Middletown, N.Y.), playing his first game in a UMass uniform, totaled 16 points and eight rebounds, including an impressive 10 for 10 performance at the free throw line. Junior guard Jonathan DePina (Boston, Mass.) had 13 points and six assists, while junior forward Kitwana Rhymer (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands) added 10 points and nine boards.
The Minutemen will return to action next Wednesday, November 10, when they play host to the Converse All-Stars in an exhibition game at the Mullins Center at 7:00 p.m.
