The Minutewomen’s Third Quarter Effort Is Not Enough to Out-Ram the Rams
The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams (22-4, 11-3 A-10) defeated the Massachusetts Minutewomen (3-24, 1-14 A-10) 63-49 on Saturday afternoon. The Rams completed the season series sweep over the Minutewomen, and have extended their all-time series lead to 11-6 over the Minutewomen.
The Rams had three players in double-figure scoring on Saturday afternoon. Grace Hutson led the way for VCU with a career-high 16 points, and Sarah Te-Biasu and Mary-Anna Asare each had 10 points to round out scorers in double digits. Jennifer Ezeh and Timaya Lewis-Eutsey each had 6 points, Mykel Parham had 5 points, Samantha Robinson and Lucia Sotelo Miguez each had 4 points, and Zoli Khalil had 2 points to round out scorers for the Rams.
The Minutewomen had two players in double-figure scoring on Saturday. Stefanie Kulesza led the way for UMass with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals (3 of which came in 45 seconds) and Chinenye Odenigbo tied her career-high of 10 points to round out scorers in double digits. Kristin Williams and Tori Hyduke each had 9 points, Lilly Taulelei had 7 points and 10 rebounds, and Lilly Ferguson had 1 point to round out all scorers for the Minutewomen.
VCU travels back home to the Siegel Center to face the Saint Joseph’s Hawks (24-2, 13-1 A-10) on Wednesday, February 21st at 6pm. This will be the 22nd meeting between these two teams, and the Rams have a 12-9 series lead over the Hawks.
UMass travels out to Gentile Arena to face the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (12-14, 6-9 A-10) on Wednesday, February 21st at 7pm ET. This is the second meeting of the season between these two teams, and the Ramblers won the first meeting this season. This will be the third meeting between these two teams, and the series history is currently tied at 1-1 between the Ramblers and the Minutewomen.
Late Second Half Comeback Is Not Enough for the Minutemen to Out-Explore the Explorers:
The La Salle Explorers (12-14, 3-10 A-10) narrowly defeated the Massachusetts Minutemen (16-9, 7-6 A-10) 82-81 on Saturday afternoon. The Minutemen and the Explorers split the season series, but the Minutemen have a 30-22 lead still in the series history.
The Explorers had five different players in double-figure scoring. Jhamir Brickus and Daeshon Shepherd led the way for La Salle with 19 points each. Khalil Brantley had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Tunde Valhberg Fasasi and Anwar Gill each had 10 points to round out all scorers in double digits. Rokas Jocius had 9 points and 7 rebounds, and Andres Marrero had 1 point to round out all scorers.
The Minutemen had four different players in double-figure scoring. Josh Cohen led the way for UMass with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Matt Cross had 15 points and 8 rebounds, Rahsool Diggins had 14 points, and Robert Davis Jr. had 12 points to round out all scorers in double digits. Jayden Ndjigue had 6 points, Jaylen Curry had 5 points, and Daniel Hankins-Sanford and Keon Thompson had 4 points to round out all scorers.
La Salle remains at home in Tom Gola Arena to face the Saint Bonaventure Bonnies (16-9, 7-6 A-10) on Wednesday, February 21st at 6:30pm. This will be the 38th meeting between these two teams, and the Explorers have a narrow 19-18 lead over the Bonnies.
UMass travels home to the Mullins Center to face off against the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams (17-8, 9-3 A-10) on Tuesday, February 20th at 7pm on CBSSN. This will be the 13th meeting between these two teams, and the Rams have a 9-3 lead over the Minutemen.
Featured Images: Chris Tucci, UMass Athletics
Graphic Credit: Kaily “KG” Godek, A10 Talk
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 Sports Broadcasting and Journalism. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
