AMHERST, Mass. (AP) Chaz Williams scored 20 points, including four key free throws late, as Massachusetts topped Virginia Commonwealth 80-75 in front of a sellout crowd Friday night.
Williams hit two free throws to put UMass (21-5, 8-4 Atlantic 10 Conference) up 78-75 with 16.8 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Williams came up with a steal and was fouled again, hitting two more at the line with 8.7 seconds left to help the Minutemen pull away.
Derrick Gordon added 16 points and Trey Davis had 13 for UMass. Cady Lalanne had 10 points and nine rebounds, while Sampson Carter scored nine to go along with 10 boards.
Treveon Graham led the Rams (20-7, 8-4) with 19 points. Juvonte Reddic had 13 points and nine rebounds. Melvin Johnson added 12 points and Rob Brandenberg scored 10.
VCU dropped consecutive games for the first time this season, as UMass erased a 39-34 halftime deficit.
