University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
( 7- 7, 2- 1)
Rhode Island
( 7- 7, 0- 2)
UMass Women Outlast Rhode Island in Overtime, 71-66
January 09, 2001 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 9, 2001
AMHERST, Mass. - Jennifer Butler (Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored a career-high 28 points, including 17 in the first half, as the University of Massachusetts defeated Rhode Island in Atlantic-10 women's basketball action tonight at the Mullins Center. The win improves UMass to 7-7 overall and 2-1 in the A-10, while Rhode Island falls to 7-7 and 0-2 in the conference with the loss.
UMass built a 37-31 halftime lead on the strength of 13-for-24 (54.2%) shooting from the field and Butler's 17 points (6-for-8 field goals). But a lay-up by Rhode Island guard Neda Djuric at the 14:33 mark of the second half tied the game at 41.
The Minutewomen would rebuild a five-point lead (54-49) with 7:37 left on the clock on a jumper by Ebony Pegues (Columbus, Ohio), but the Rams responded and knotted the game once again at 56 with 3:56 left in the game on the second of two free throws by Denise King.
UMass held a 61-58 advantage with just over a minute left to play, but a foul and a travelling call on the Minutewomen gave Rhode Island the chances they needed to send the game into overtime, tied at 61.
In the extra frame, UMass converted 8-of-12 free throws and held the Rams to just five points to seal the victory.
Senior Kathy Coyner (Belpre, Ohio) scored 14 points and dished out six assists for UMass, while freshman Cleo Foster (Toronto, Ontario) added a career-high seven points, including three in overtime. Butler finished the game 10-for-15 from the floor and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, and grabbed five rebounds.
Rhode Island had three players in double figures, led by Djuric's 16 points. Shayla Johnson added 13 points, while Yatar Kuyateh had 12.
UMass travels to Ohio this weekend for games with A-10 foes Xavier and Dayton. The Minutewomen will take on the Musketeers on Friday, Jan. 12, at 7:00 p.m., and then battle the Flyers on Sunday, Jan. 14, in a 2:00 p.m. game.
