University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Dowling (Exhibition)
UMass Cruises To Victory Over Dowling, 96-55
November 10, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 10, 2005
Box Score | Quotes | Photo Gallery
AMHERST, Mass.- Junior forward Brandon Thomas (San Antonio, Texas) started the Travis Ford era off with a bang, opening with a break-away dunk and leading the team in scoring with 19 points, as the Minutemen cruised to a 96-55 victory over Division II Dowling Thursday night in a preseason exhibition matchup.
In the first half, Thomas lead the team in scoring, while junior forward Stephane Lasme (Libreville, Gabron) helped maintain the Minutemen's opening lead with stellar defense, blocking 2 shots, and junior guard James Life (Leigh Acres, Fla.) stretched the early lead with two consecutive three-pointers with about five minutes remaining in the first half. UMass lead by 26 at the end of the first half after junior guard Art Bowers (Wilmington, Del.) stole the ball at mid-court and took it to the hoop all alone to end the period.
Dowling was lad in scoring by Keith Willis and Reheim Lowery, both with 11 points. However, the Golden Lions turned the ball over 36 times. The Minuteman did not let up in the second half, as they continued to be dominant on offense and defense.
Throughout the game junior center Rashaun Freeman (Schenectady, N.Y) was a force at both ends of the court with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
UMass would have set a new record for most steals (23) in a game had this been a regular season game. UMass' 23 steals was two more than the record of 21.
Life also contributed to the UMass cause with 17 points. Life was 6-11 from the floor including 5-9 from beyond the three point arc. In addition to Thomas, Freeman, and Life, UMass had two other players with double digits in scoring as junior forward Lawrence Carrier (San Bernardino, Calif.) had 13 points and Lasme scored 11.
UMass will open its regular season on Friday November 18 at home against Hartford. Game time is set for 7:00pm.
