The Massachusetts Minutemen began the game playing solid basketball that led them to a 38-32 halftime lead. The Minutemen had a balanced attack with six players scoring five points or more.
The second half was another story. Harvard came back thanks in part to Wesley Saunders' 27 points which were a game high.
UMass had a chance to win the game with two seconds left and down 75-73. Trey Davis caught a hail-marry out of bounds pass from Maxie Esho. He had an open look from deep that just rimmed out.
Four Takeaways
- Cady Lalanne continued to be a force with 13 points and 13 rebounds. He needs to play more efficient moving forward though as his six turnovers put a hamper on the offense. On defense he is still a problem for teams and he got the best of Harvard twice.
- Trey Davis regained some of his former self finally getting back into double figures scoring wise. He had 13 points on 50 percent shooting and had three assists with only one turnover. UMass needs Davis to continue to play better at the point.
- The dynamic bench duo of Jabarie Hinds and Donte Clark combined for 19 points. Now that they have finally settled into their roles the bench has finally solidified.
- The Minutemen finally stopped being world-beaters from the free throw line. Shooting just 65.5 percent on 29 attempts isn't what we have come to expect from UMass this season.
Even though this is technically UMass' first game on the road it is tough to think of it as one. The stands seemed to be very pro-UMass and the trip wasn't very far from campus. The most upsetting thing about this performance was the lack of defensive pressure. UMass has done a great job this year forcing turnovers but only managed to make Harvard commit eight.
No time to dwell for the Minutemen though as they drop to 5-2. Their next game isn't much easier as they head down to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers on Tuesday at 7PM.