The Massachusetts Minutemen (20-10, 11-7 A-10) narrowly defeated the Fordham Rams (12-18, 6-11 A-10) 66-64 on Wednesday night. The Minutemen extend their lead in the all-time series history 34-19 over the Rams.
This game had a funky vibe for most of the game until the final minutes of the game. UMass entered the game without two key players as Keon Thompson (toe) and Robert Davis Jr. (concussion) were unavailable, leaving the Minutemen bench shorthanded. The Rams got the lead early and were able to hold onto it for a good portion of the game until the Minutemen started to gain momentum. In the game, there were a total of eight lead changes and nine ties. Foul trouble did start to be a factor for UMass, as there were three players with four fouls and one player with three fouls, and only going seven deep on Wednesday night. The Minutemen had key shots go into the basket in the final three minutes as Matt Cross helped UMass earn the win. Kyle Rose did attempt a three-point shot right at the buzzer which would have given Fordham the win, but it ultimately did not fall, which handed the Rams the loss.
The Rams had three different players in double-figure scoring. Rose led the way for Fordham with 15 points and 5 assists, Abdou Tsimbila had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Antrell Charlton had 12 points and 5 rebounds to round out scorers in double digits. Jahmere Tripp had 6 points, Josh Rivera and Will Richardson each had 5 points, Romad Dean had 3 points and 7 rebounds, and Elijah Gray had 1 point to round out all scorers for the Rams.
The Minutemen had three players in double-figure scoring. Josh Cohen led the way for UMass with 19 points and 9 rebounds, Rahsool Diggins had 16 points, and Cross had 15 points and 9 rebounds to round out scorers in double digits. Daniel Hankins-Sanford had 6 points and 6 rebounds, Jaylen Curry and Marqui Worthhy had 4 points each, and Jayden Ndjigue had 2 points to round out all scorers for the Minutemen.
UMass has finished up the regular season with 20 wins for the first time since the 2013-14 season and has a chance to earn a double-bye in Brooklyn for the first time since the 2007-08 season. The Minutemen currently sit in 5th place after the win against Fordham Wednesday, and the St. Bonaventure loss to George Washington also on Wednesday night. For UMass to go in 4th place, they need VCU to lose to Dayton in the final FridA10 game of the season. VCU lost on Tuesday night to Duquense which opened the door for UMass. Any fans of the Minutemen should be watching the Dayton vs. VCU game Friday at 7pm on ESPN2.
Fordham travels back home to Rose Hill Gym to face the Rhode Island Rams (11-19, 5-12 A-10) on Saturday, March 9th at 1pm on ESPN+. This game will determine where both teams sit in the conference tournament as they both look like they will be playing in the opening round on Tuesday in Brooklyn.
Featured Image: 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 Sports Broadcasting and Journalism. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
