Luwane Pipkins netted a program-high 44 points and Carl Pierre pumped in 25 to lead UMass past La Salle, 86-79, in overtime on Wednesday.
With 3:38 remaining in the extra stanza, Pierre drove to the hoop, connected on a layup, and drew a foul. After the three-throw make, UMass led 77-74.
1:10 later, Pierre sunk a jumper, pushing the Minutemen ahead 79-74.
Final/OT
| 1 | 2 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAS (7-10, 1-3 A-10) | 41 | 33 | 5 | 79 |
| UMASS (9-8, 2-2) | 25 | 49 | 12 | 86 |
After a La Salle make, Pipkins spotted up from beyond the arc and drained a 3-pointer, enhancing UMass’ lead to 82-76. 40 seconds later, he drilled another trey, pushing the Minutemen lead to 85-76 and the Explorers could not answer.
UMass shot just 36.0 percent in the first half and trailed 41-25 at the break.
However a 21-6 run in the second half – sparked by 14 points from Pipkins, which included the last 11 UMass points of the frame – notched the contest at 66 through 40 minutes.
UMass looks to run its winning streak to three on Sunday at 5 p.m. as it plays host to Saint Joseph’s (7-8, 2-2).
