The Massachusetts Minutemen (8-11, 3-3 Atlantic 10) defeated the La Salle Explorers (10-8, 2-3 Atlantic 10) 82-60 on Sunday afternoon.
The Explorers started quickly gaining a five-to-nothing lead in the first half, but the Minutemen responded by scoring five straight points from Malek Abdelgowad. La Salle retook the lead, but it led to UMass taking a twenty-six to twenty-five lead with two minutes left in the first half. The Minutemen ended up taking a fifteen-point lead early in the second half, but the Explorers then came back to tie the game. UMass then went on a twenty-one to two run to close out the game to earn their second straight conference win.
There were four players in double-figure scoring for the Minutemen on Sunday afternoon. Jaylen Curry had 22 points and 7 assists, Rahsool Diggins had 17 points, Abdelgowad had 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Daniel Hankins-Sanford had 10 points and 9 rebounds for scorers in double-digit scoring. Jayden Ndjigue had 9 points with career-highs of 13 rebounds and 5 blocks, Daniel Rivera and Marqui Worthy each had 6 points, and Akil Watson had 2 points to round out the scorers for UMass.
There were three players in double-figure scoring for La Salle on Sunday afternoon. Deuce Jones had 17 points, Daeshon Shepherd had 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Demetrius Lilley had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Corey McKeithan had 9 points and 5 rebounds, Tunde Vahlberg Fasasi and Jahlil White each had 4 points, and Eric Acker and Mac Etienne each had 2 points to round out the scorers for the Explorers.
The Minutemen stay at home to face the George Washington Revolutionaries (13-5, 2-3 Atlantic 10) on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7pm. La Salle travels to Chaifetz Arena to face the Saint Louis Billikens (11-7, 4-1 Atlantic 10) on Wednesday, January 22nd at 8pm.
Featured Image: Chris Tucci, UMass Athletics
Kaily “KG” Godek is a current student at Western New England University (WNE). She has been a supporter of UMass Athletics for over 15 years. Kaily focuses on both UMass Basketball teams and occasionally on the other Women’s Basketball teams in the conference. While writing for A10 Talk, she works in the athletic department at WNE. When she graduates from WNE she wants to go into either Sports Broadcasting and Journalism or Coaching. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
