From the Press Box: The Daily Collegian's Sports Blog

Beat down x 2

2008-04-19T19:04:00.002-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

UMass gave up 22 hits, seven walks and committed three errors on Friday against Charlotte. It lost the game, 18-3.

It only got worse for the Minutemen Saturday.

This time, Charlotte pounded out 29 hits, drew 10 walks and UMass committed six errors. For those counting at home, that adds up to 45 baserunners.

And a 24-6 beat down.

Rob Lyerly had one of the best games you'll ever see for the 49ers: 6-for-6, 6 RBI, 4 R, 3 HR, 2 2B, 3B and a walk.

In the ninth inning, with three home runs already, Lyerly drove a ball into deep left-center field. At first it appeared that he had his fourth home run of the afternoon, but it fell into the gap for a triple.

These teams meet up again Sunday at noon.

Show me the money!

2008-04-18T19:24:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

Travis Ford left the Massachusetts men's basketball program for a better conference and a higher-profile job at Oklahoma State.

He also left for the money.

How much?

Try $9 million over seven years.

Beanpot excitement

2008-04-16T01:28:00.003-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- If you weren't at Fenway Park, you missed quite a game.

UMass's Mike Dicato lost his no-hitter in the ninth inning -- and the Minutemen almost blew their 4-0 ninth inning lead -- but Mitchell Eilenberg helped preserve the win, 4-3.

Check out the full story.

Also, check out Mike Connors' sidebar on the gem that Dicato hurled.

Photo credit: Michael Phillis

Should I be saying this???

2008-04-15T18:53:00.001-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- UMass 3, BC 0 (top 9)

Hmm. How should I put this?

Let's just say, Boston College has a lot of zeros...

Seventh-inning stretch

2008-04-15T18:29:00.002-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- UMass 3, BC 0 (btm 7)

Ryan Franczek's struggles continue, as he hit into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh.

But UMass and Dicato are in cruise control, even with the small lead.

Update

2008-04-15T17:58:00.001-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- UMass 3, BC 0 (top 6)

Mike Dicato is pitching very well.

I can't say exactly what he's doing right now, if you know what I mean...

Grab a Fenway Frank

2008-04-15T17:29:00.004-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- Here's a photo courtesy Daily Collegian photographer Michael Phillis.

More photos later possibly.

UMass up early

2008-04-15T17:06:00.001-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- UMass leads, 3-0, after ugly first-half inning for BC.

The Minutemen had three hits and the Eagles walked one and made an error.

And we're off

2008-04-15T16:44:00.002-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- Boston College's Kevin Moran just threw the first pitch of today's Beanpot final.

More to come as the game progresses.

Live from the Fenway press box

2008-04-15T16:10:00.002-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

BOSTON -- The 2008 Beanpot Championship game at Fenway Park is set to begin shortly between Massachusetts and Boston College.

UMass hasn't won the tournament since 2000, and this is its first appearance in the title game since 2001.

Mike Dicato will take the mound for UMass.

Balschmiter fans 14 in Sortino's 999th career win

2008-04-13T14:03:00.002-04:00

Softball
Jeremy Rice

Massachusetts 9, Temple 0

The Massachusetts softball team earned its 14th consecutive victory behind a truly dominant Brandice Balschmiter in the circle and a five-run fourth inning. The Minutewomen won 9-0 in five innings. Game 2 will being momentarily.

Balschmiter stuck out the first 11 batters of the game for Temple, and finished with one hit, one walk and a season-high 14 strikeouts. Her career best is 16 in one game, which she accomplished last year.

Bailey Sanders will be in the circle for Game 2. She started in yesterday's 4-1 win over Saint Joseph's, but was pulled after five innings. She gave up one run on three hits and three strikeouts. Balschmiter pitched the final two innings of the game, earning the win while striking out five.

More From the Press Box after Game 2 ...

Ford watch...OVER

2008-04-10T20:19:00.001-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

Weeks of speculation involving where Massachusetts men's basketball coach Travis Ford will coach next season are over.

He isn't going anywhere.

UMass athletic director John McCutcheon made the announcement Thursday night at 7 p.m., saying that Ford will be back in Amherst next season as coach.

"I want to give every one of you an opportunity to have a nice, deep cleansing breath. Relax a little bit, with the knowledge that Travis Ford, our head men's basketball coach, is going to be with us for many years to come," McCutcheon said at the team's end-of-the-season banquet.

The announcement came just one day after Ford interviewed for the Providence coaching position and two days after saying he did not want to be considered for the job at Lousiana State.

"It's been a long two days," Ford said, struggling to find the right words. "It was a tough decision. Any time you have options to look at great places [it's tough], but it was easy to make the decision with all the reasons that I wanted to be here."

Ford watch

2008-04-10T11:39:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

Massachusetts men's basketball coach Travis Ford interviewed for the head job at Providence yesterday.

As of now (11:45 a.m. on Thursday) there has been no press conference scheduled at Providence.

Be sure to continuously check this blog for updates.

Ironically, the UMass basketball team is scheduled to have its end-of-the-year banquet tonight.

It could be quite interesting to see Ford -- if it happens -- there AFTER he accepted the job at Providence. Although if he does take the job, he may not show up at the banquet at all.

So many possibilities.

This story has been developing almost hourly the past few days, so again, be sure to check back here periodically.

Game over

2008-04-03T21:01:00.005-04:00

NEW YORK -- OSU 92, UMass 85

This one is over.

Got to go to the press conference...

49.8 seconds left

2008-04-03T20:59:00.001-04:00

NEW YORK -- OSU 88, UMass 82

1:11 left

2008-04-03T20:54:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK -- OSU 86, UMass 79

Update: 2:32 left

2008-04-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK -- OSU 79, UMass 75

Memo to OSU

2008-04-03T20:41:00.001-04:00

NEW YORK -- GUARD Ricky Harris.

If OSU wants to win this game, they should probably do that.

Harris has hit EVERYTHING.

He has 27 points.

Momentum shift at MSG

2008-04-03T20:37:00.001-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- OSU 66, UMass 62

The Minutemen are down by four, but have the momentum right now.

They can thank Ricky Harris for that. He just hit a big 3-pointer off a pass from Etienne Brower to cut the lead to four.

Harris hit three 3-pointers in the first half, but this is the first we've really seen from him in this half. They need him to keep shooting.

Ohio State 64, UMass 57 (9:09 left)

2008-04-03T20:29:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- If UMass wants to claim the NIT championship, its seniors are going to have to step up and take it.

Meanwhile for the Buckeyes, Kosta Koufos is doing just that. He is taking over this game right now.

OSU 57, UMass 50 (11:50 left)

2008-04-03T20:17:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Ohio State is playing terrific basketball right now, swarming the paint on defense and displaying good ball movement on offense.

UMass finds itself down seven points, and will have to play like it did in the first half if it wants to get back into this game.

Four fouls on Dante Milligan, who is playing well inside. Once again he is in foul trouble -- and it's coming at the worst possible time for UMass.

OSU 49, UMass 46 (15:51 left)

2008-04-03T20:07:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- OSU just made a quick run, but Etienne Brower hit a big 3-pointer to get some of the momentum back for UMass.

But the Minutemen are still down three points. Still plenty of time left, this could certainly go either way.

Bad sign for UMass: Kosta Koufos is starting to heat it up for OSU.

Second half starting

2008-04-03T20:06:00.000-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Just one minute away from the start of half No. 2.

UMass leads 41-36.

Halftime: UMass 41, OSU 36

2008-04-03T19:42:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- This has been an entertaining basketball game.

However, there have been a ton of turnovers and missed close-range shots.

The 3-point shot gave UMass the early lead, but also helped OSU get right back in it.

For coach Travis Ford, he simply has to love the way Dante Milligan is playing inside. He is getting a lot of offensive rebounds and easy baskets.

UMass has to defend the 3-point shot better in the second half. OSU star Jamar Butler and Evan Turner are getting good open looks, and kncoking them down.

UMass 37, OSU 27 (3:45 left in half)

2008-04-03T19:33:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- UMass is up 10 points, but coach Travis Ford doesn't appear too pleased with the referees.

The Minuteman bench just got yelled at, I think for being too close to the court. It appeared that Ford took exception to that.

UMass could be close to a technical foul, the referees looks quite mad.

Something to watch for from now on, that's for sure.

But anyway, UMass has played well and should be pleased up 10.

UMass 29, OSU 25 (7:51 left in 1st half)

2008-04-03T19:24:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Just about everybody is stepping up right now for UMass, and it has the lead because of it.

Etienne Brower has two spectacular dunks, Ricky Harris has three made 2-pointers, Dante Milligan is doing well down-low with rebounding and close-range shots and Chris Lowe and Gary Forbes are doing the little things right now.

UMass 20, Ohio State 19

2008-04-03T19:14:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- It's been a competitive game thus far, with UMass holding on to a one-point lead.

Ricky Harris has drained two big 3-pointers in the right corner. UMass just had terrific ball movement to get him the open look.

Ohio State needs to be mindful of Harris -- and other Minutemen -- just sitting and waiting to launch 3-point shots from the corner.

Don't look away...

2008-04-03T19:11:00.001-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- This game turned in an instant.

UMass had a quick, 10-2 lead, but Ohio State answered back in a heartbeat with two quick 3-pointers.

Ohio State is on a 9-0 run, and leads 11-10 (15:40 left in 1st half).

UMass lookinjg good early

2008-04-03T19:05:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Etienne Brower started this game off with a bang -- a one-handed slam dunk that ignited the crowd.

Chris Lowe has two early steals, one leading to an easy lay-up.

Dante Milligan has two close-range baskets.

UMass leads 10-2.

Tip-off set for NIT Championship game

2008-04-03T19:04:00.001-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- The NIT Championship game between UMass and Ohio State is set for tip-off. Check here for constant updates.

The crowd appears smaller than in the semifinal game that pit UMass against Florida.

I could be wrong...it's been known to happen.

The crowd here seems VERY pro-UMass.

Tipoff nears at MSG for NIT finals

2008-04-03T18:37:00.003-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

NEW YORK - There's already a large contingent of UMass fans in Madison Square Garden for tonight's National Invitational Tournament final this evening. The game will be televised on ESPN. Though UMass is not playing for a national championships (true cynics would say that both teams are playing for 66th place), it is the school's first chance for a post-season championship.

The key matchups tonight will be between Kosta Koufos-Luke Bonner and Jamar Butler-Chris Lowe. Bonner and Koufos have a similar style of play, though the 7-foot Ohio State center has a much more refined offensive game. Both Butler and Lowe are the leaders of their respective basketball teams and much of their productivity is not reflected on the stat sheet.

Tonight's game also marks the second time that UMass and Ohio State have met in the final four of a major college sports tournament. Ohio State defeated the Minutemen in men's soccer back in December of the semifinals of the 2007 College Cup.

GAME OVER...basically

2008-04-01T20:59:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- UMass 77, FLA 66

Under 20 seconds remaining. I gotta go to the press conference.

UMass 68, Florida 60

2008-04-01T20:55:00.000-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Just 1:35 left.

UMass 66, Florida 58

2008-04-01T20:45:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Gary Forbes just hit two big shots. One from deep, and another on a crazy turnaround fadeaway shot.

He is taking over right now. Both of those shots came with under five seconds on the shot clock

Only 2:23 left.

UMass 59, Florida 53

2008-04-01T20:32:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- UMass is hitting just about everything now. Dante Milligan has 17 points to lead the way. Etienne Brower also hit a HUGE 3-pointer.

7:20 to go. Gators to the line for one foul shot.

Getting loud here at MSG

2008-04-01T20:15:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Florida 47, UMass 45 (11:53 left)

OK, I may have been wrong. This seems like a pro-UMass crowd now.

Or maybe the people in attendance are just glad to have a close game again.

Dante Milligan is getting easy buckets in the lane, and UMass is right back in this.

We could be in store for another great ending in this year's NIT.

Florida 42, UMass 35

2008-04-01T20:09:00.001-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Not much doing early in the second half (16:57 left). Although, Ricky Harris actually hit a 3-pointer. Amazing.

HALFTIME: Minutemen in trouble...or are they?

2008-04-01T19:42:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Florida 36, UMass 27 (HALFTIME)

At one juncture, the Minutemen went just over 10 minutes without a field goal. That, combined with the dreadful 1-of-14 shooting performance from the outside, has UMass in serious trouble.

But the Minutemen seem to thrive on making late-game comebacks.

Dying by the 3

2008-04-01T19:32:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Florida 28, UMass 21 (3:58 left in 1st half)

UMass has missed ALL but one of its 13 3-point attempts. A solid 7.7 percent.

That's really all you need to know right now.

Florida gaining the edge

2008-04-01T19:28:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Florida 24, UMass 19 (7:52 left in 1st half)

Good news for the Gators: They are getting a ton of good looks inside.

Bad news: Nick Calathes has two early fouls.

Tony Gaffney sighting

2008-04-01T19:16:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- UMass 19, Florida 19 (11:12 left)

Tony Gaffney is indeed playing tonight. He made a quick impact with a thunderous dunk.

Both teams are shooting fairly well. But UMass is 1-of-6 from the perimeter.

Also, Ricky Harris has two fouls.

Early score

2008-04-01T19:06:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- Florida 12, UMass 10 (15:45 left)

Not much defense being played. Gary Forbes and Dante Milligan look strong to start.

Nick Calathes is already starting to have his way on offense. He could pour in another triple-double in the NIT at this rate.

Crowd update

2008-04-01T19:03:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- UMass coach Travis Ford expected the crowd to be in his favor.

Judging by the pre-game ceremonies, that is far from the case.

It appears to be a very pro-Gators crowd here tonight.

It could play a role in the outcome.

Madison Square Garden: NIT semi's

2008-04-01T18:57:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

NEW YORK -- On a personal note, I am extremely angered right now. Myself and beat partner Michael King of the Daily Collegian have been relegated to the "North Press Box for the UMass-Florida NIT matchup.

Considering literally every fan in the entire arena has a better view than us...I'm furious.

Oh, so you want to know about the game?

Fine. UMass and Florida are just minutes away from the tipoff here at Madison Square Garden fn the first NIT semifinal game here tonight. The winner of this game plays the winner of Ohio State and Mississippi State.

More to come as the game progresses.

Kostka signs with Buffalo

2008-03-25T17:01:00.001-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

UMass senior defenseman Mike Kostka signed with the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday afternoon. According to sources within the athletic department, Kostka will play with Rochester of the American Hockey League on an Amateur Tryout Contract for the remainder of this season; a two-year deal with the Sabres kicks in July.

Check out Thursday’s Collegian for more coverage of Kostka and the status of fellow senior P.J. Fenton’s negotiations with the San Jose Sharks.

No. 8 in '08

2008-03-22T21:56:00.001-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

BOSTON – Boston College won its second consecutive Hockey East Championship and eighth overall, defeating Vermont, 4-0, tonight at the TD Banknorth Garden.

BC’s Nathan Gerbe capped the victory with an empty-net goal to lock up the tournament’s MVP award. Freshman goaltender John Muse earned his first shutout of the postseason, making 29 saves.

Brian Gibbons, Ben Smith and Tim Kunes scored the other three goals for the Eagles.

This one's over

2008-03-22T14:03:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

Akron failed to score with its last chance. Jeremiah Wood tried to clear space at the top of the key and launched a 3-pointer over the head of Dante Milligan. The shot front-rimmed on the basket and Harris ran away with the rebound before the Zips could foul.

UMass ended the game on a 25-6 run. The Minutemen will travel to Syracuse Tuesday with a trip to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden on the line.

66-63 UMass, 0:17 left

2008-03-22T14:01:00.002-04:00

Forbes made one of his two free throws. The Minutemen almost got the ball back. Akron now has 17 seconds to tie the score and send this one to overtime.

65-63 UMass 0:24 left

2008-03-22T13:59:00.001-04:00

UMass just called a timeout after failing to score on its last possession and holding the Zips scoreless on their trip down the court. Akron needs to foul.

65-63 UMass, 1:20 left

2008-03-22T13:56:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

Akron just hit a 3-pointer to end its long scoring drought. Milligan did a good job of handling Wood on the last possession and incited a turnover. UMass has the ball and needs to score to make this one more comfortble.

65-60 UMass, 2:15 left

2008-03-22T13:54:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

Tony Gaffney just suffered an apparent lower body injury. He will not return. The Minutemen will miss his prescence in the frontcourt and he was a main factor as to shutting Akron out for the past six minutes.

63-60 UMass, 2:40 left

2008-03-22T13:49:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

The refferree just called an intertional foul on Dials since he took Chris Lowe to the ground on a fast break with some kind of wrestling move. The Minutemen now have a three point lead. UMass is doing an excellent job creating offense from turnovers. Though the Minutemen are playing good defense, it appears that Zip nerves may be a factor.

60-59 Akron, 3:36 left

2008-03-22T13:45:00.003-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

Here come the Minutemen. Now within one point, Akron is having great difficulty scoring. On offense, UMass is having the most success when the ball is in Chris Lowe's hands. He has made several impressive drives to the basket. The typical look for the open guy on the 3-point line isn't really working since no one can make a shot from beyond the arc.

The final 3:30 will test this team and see if it can execute down the stretch. Free throws will be a factor.

59-55, 4:40 left

2008-03-22T13:40:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

UMass looks to have Akron on the ropes, but the team still can't make its free throws so that may be a factor down the stretch. The Minutemen are stuggling to make shots from beyond the arc despite having several recent open looks.

But UMass is having better success on the offensive glass. The frontcourt combination of Forbes, Brower and Gaffney is rebounding much better in the second half, but is having difficulty finishing. The Minutemen will need to make some 3-pointers if they want to pull this one out.

58-50 Akron, 7:00 left

2008-03-22T13:33:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

UMass is making a run. The Minutemen cut the lead to eight points behind the scoring of Harris and Lowe. The team might have found an answer to Wood in the post: Tony Gaffney. The junior foward proved he could handle the tough Wood inside on the last possession with a strong defensive rebound.

The Minutemen have all the momentum right now. Though, the current official's timeout helped to take the crowd out of it a little. The crowd finally awoke during the Minutemen's run over the last several minutes.

54-43 Akron, 10:07 left

2008-03-22T13:28:00.003-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

UMass is obviously not used to playing televised games. The regularly scheduled official's timeouts every four minutes are even longer because of ESPN's committment to its sponsors. But the Minutemen don't even use all of that extra. Coach Travis Ford dismisses his players from the huddle about two minutes before play resumes, while the Zips remain entrenched in strategy discussion. I wonder if Ford is just so angry at his team's performance that he doesn't have much to say or if he expects everyone to know their job and it's just a matter of execution?

52-43 Akron, 11:43 left

2008-03-22T13:15:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

It will take a while to ice the frost on Forbes' jump shot. The senior is 2-for-8 from the floor and the Minutemen desparately need his scoring. Akron just opened a nine-point lead on UMass. Normally that kind of a lead would not be a problem for the Minutemen to overcome. But with the way they are shooting the ball, the team might struggle to reach 60 points in this game.

The Minutemen need senior forward Etienne Brower to get going offensively. He has five points, but UMass needs someone to shoulder the scoring load if Forbes continues his less than stellar pace.

44-39 Akron, 15:22 left 2nd half

2008-03-22T13:05:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

UMass is starting to turn the ball over at an unnerving pass. Between charges, travels and poorly timed passes the Zips took their first lead of the second half two minutes in.

Milligan picked up his third personal foul on an unneccessary block on Jeremiah Wood. Wood hit a 3-pointer on the same possession to give his team a three point lead. Then the Akron forward showed off a nifty post move in the paint with a jump hook against Milligan. He now has 16 points.

Akron called a timeout before play started in the second half. Was coach Keith Dambrot's halftime pep talk not long enough? No, actually the Zips had trouble inbounding the ball for the second consecutive possession. Akron had the same problem right before the half ended.

34-31 UMass, Halftime

2008-03-22T12:48:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

Though the Minutemen maintained an 11-point lead at one point during the first half, the Zips managed to shrink that deficit to three points at the half. UMass is shooting just 5-16 from beyond the arc, a number that they will need to improve unless their rebounding effort magically gets better. UMass has one second chance point, despite outrebounding Akron by three.

Guard Cedrick Middleton leads the Zips with eight points, while Chris Lowe and Ricky Harris each have eight for the Minutemen.

31-24 UMass, 3:32 left 1st half

2008-03-22T12:35:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

The Zips are finally making their comeback. Akron executed a 8-2 run to bring the deficit to five points, but Chris Lowe cut through the Zip defense on the next possession to extend the lead to seven points. Lowe dribble-moved off his defender and spun into the paint with a lay-up.

Meanwhile Forbes is struggling from the field with one point off of five missed shots. On one posession he missed a fastbreak lay-up, then stole the ball on the Akron outlet pass, then finally proceeded to miss another lay-up - evidently looking for a foul from the referees.

27-16 UMass, 6:39 left 1st half

2008-03-22T12:30:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

Today's game is shown live on ESPN. Junior point guard just got up-close and personal with one of the camera men in front of the UMass basket. As Lowe drove through the lane, he was fouled by Akron's Steve McNees and tumbled to the crowd directly in front of the camera guy.

Meanwhile, the Minutemen continue to look sharp offensively with good ball movement.

20-12 UMass; 10:59 left 1st half

2008-03-22T12:21:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

The Minutemen are off to a hot start on offense. They are shooting the ball fairly well from beyond the arc (3-for-9). But UMass has been doing a good job on the offensive glass with four offensive rebounds. Second chance points will be important for the Minutemen if they continue to shoot 3-pointers at their current pace.

Milligan, Harris heating up

2008-03-22T12:12:00.003-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

Senior center Dante Milligan still hasn't learned how to play defense, but he's looking pretty good on offense for the second-consecutive game. Milligan had a career high in points against Stephen F. Austin and already has four. But on the other end, forward Jeremiah Wood has had his way with Milligan in the post. Wood looks like he could play football for Akron and probably has about 30 pounds on Milligan.

Meanwhile, sophomore shooting guard Ricky Harris is starting to heat up from beyond the arc, as he is 2-for-3 on 3-pointers.

UMass v. Akron, Second Round NIT

2008-03-22T11:52:00.003-04:00

Men's Basketball
Michael King

There's certainly more people in the Mullins Center stands for this afternoon's game against the Zips of Akron than last Tuesday's win over Stephen F. Austin. But both student sections remain completely empty and there doesn't appear to be more than 3,500 total fans.

The Zips defeated Florida State on the road early this week to advance in the 32-team tournament. The winner of today's game with face Syracuse next Tuesday at the Carrier Dome.

Lasme makes return trip to NBA

2008-03-21T21:45:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

Former UMass star Stephane Lasme is back in the NBA.

The Miami Heat called him up today from the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Developmental League. He played 12 minutes tonight in Miami's 103-86 home loss to the Washington Wizards.

Lasme was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, but was released early in the season. He appeared in just one game for them, playing a total of four seconds.

Lasme finished the night with the following stat line: 2 pts, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist and 1 steal.

Lasme (#45) and the Heat are back in action tommorow night at Charlotte.

CLICK HERE for the press release.
CLICK HERE for his NBA.com player page

BC 5, UNH 4

2008-03-21T19:56:00.007-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

BOSTON – Boston College defeated New Hampshire, 5-4, on a Benn Ferriero power-play goal 17 seconds into the third overtime of the first Hockey East Semifinal.

Ferriero wristed a shot from the right point toward UNH goaltender Kevin Regan. The shot sailed high, too high it seemed, before kicking off the body of a UNH defenseman and over the shoulder of Regan.

The goal was the second for the Eagles in the overtime period. The first was called back, however, because Regan’s helmet came dislodged after a collision in the slot with BC’s Dan Bertram. The collision sent both players sliding, leaving the net open. Matt Greene sailed into the high slot, collected the loose puck and fired it in.

As the BC players mobbed Greene in the corner to the right of the cage, Regan sprinted toward the officials who already knew his grievance. Officials reviewed the play and overturned. It was the fourth BC goal of the game that went to review.

UNH led, 4-1, with fewer than eight minutes remaining in the second period. BC coach Jerry York called a timeout with 6:38 left in the period and it was all Eagles from that point.

The game was the second-longest in Hockey East history; the longest was the 2004 championship between UMass and Maine.

National implications

BC’s victory hurt the chances of a third Hockey East team receiving a bid to the NCAA Tournament, as did Minnesota’s victory over Colorado College in the semifinals of the WCHA Tournament. The Golden Gophers win not only opened the door for the first-ever conference champion from the winner of the Sudden-Death Semifinal, but it made Minnesota State’s PairWise ranking even stronger than it was entering today.

So as it looks now, UNH and BC are both locks for the national tournament whether BC wins the conference tournament or not. Unless the winner of the Boston University-Vermont game wins tomorrow night’s matchup, Hockey East will receive no more than two bids.

For scores from the rest of the conference tournaments click here.

Nothing's changed

2008-03-21T19:56:00.005-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

While the first overtime featured back-and-forth action and tremendous chances for each team, the second overtime has proved the exact opposite.

There have been a few openings, and once again most of them have come from Boston College. But nothing particularly dangerous. This is now the longest Hockey East Semifinal game in history. With 6:34 left, we are still tied 4-4.

Not so fast

2008-03-21T19:56:00.003-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

At 18:30 of overtime, BC’s Matt Green fired the puck into an open net. While the BC bench and fans celebrated the goal and the victory, UNH goaltender Kevin Regan raced toward the officials. Regan’s helmet came off after a collision with Dan Bertram.

Officials reviewed the play, and since Regan’s helmet came off before the shot was fired, the goal was disallowed.

The overtime ended with the scored still tied. BC forced several scoring chances during the period, but Regan was up to each and every task. His 54 saves thus far is a new career high.

Overtime in Boston

2008-03-21T19:03:00.003-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

BOSTON – Three of Boston College’s four goals in regulation were reviewed by the officials. The last of which tied the game at 4-4. Boston College’s Dan Bertram skated through the slot when a Nick Petrecki feed deflected off his foot and past New Hampshire goaltender Kevin Regan.

UNH led BC 2-0 after the first period, but the Eagles won the second and third periods to send the game to overtime. Last season, UNH defeated Massachusetts, 3-2, in double-overtime in a semifinal game.

In that game, then-freshman Bobby Butler scored the winner for the Wildcats; Butler has two goals this afternoon.

Despite the four goals allowed, Regan is proving to everyone in attendance that he deserved the Hockey East Player of the Year award he won earlier this week with 43 saves.

The Eagles have the momentum entering the extra session with three unanswered goals and a multitude of chances toward the end of the third.

Overtime is set to begin, more From the Press Box after the game …

UMass swept in doubleheader

2008-03-21T17:33:00.003-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

The Massachusetts baseball team was swept by Atlantic 10 foe Duquesne today in a doubleheader in Greensburg, Pa.

Game 3 is slated for tommorow at noon. The series was supposed to be played in Pittsburgh, but the field conditions were not conducive to a baseball game. Seton Hall's field in Greensburg has artificial turf.

With the sweep, Duquesne moves to 5-10. UMass drops to 2-6, including 0-2 in the A-10.

UMass was shut down in a pitchers duel in Game 1, losing, 2-0, to the Dukes behind the stellar pitching from Ryan Juran -- who went the distance for the complete game shutout. He allowed five hits, three walks and struck out four in nine innings of work. For UMass, Mitchell Clegg pitched extremely well, striking out 10 batters and allowing two runs in seven innings. The Dukes scored one run in both the second and third innings.

In the second game of the double-dip, UMass fell, 6-2, again from strong Duquesne pitching. This time it was from the right arm of sophomore Paul Bugajski. He went seven innings, allowing one run. UMass starter, Bryan Leigh, struggled, allowing 14 baserunners and six runs (five earned) in six innings.

Brian Baudinet drove in both runs for UMass, including a solo home run in the eighth inning.

Live from the Hockey East Semifinals

2008-03-21T16:44:00.002-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

BOSTON – Twenty minutes from the opening faceoff, neither Boston College nor New Hampshire is particularly well represented in the stands.

I watched this event from the stands in 2007, when UNH outlasted UMass in double-overtime, and I have to say it’s not as special from the press box. But the energy is still the same.

In the press room before the game, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was on the television. It’s unfortunate that hockey isn’t as widely followed or covered. But the lack of casual fans and national press coverage prevents the event from becoming the charade that its cousin on the hardwood has turned into.

At stake in the first game is seeding the national tournament. Both BC and UNH are locks for the 16-team field, but a loss today’s game will cost the Wildcats a No. 1 seed. The Eagles are likely a No. 2 unless they win the tournament.

If the Wildcats win the tournament, they will get a top seed and likely end up in the Northeast regional in Worcester. A fall to a No. 2 could force UNH to Colorado Springs, Colo., or Albany, N.Y. With its current standing as a No. 1 the Wildcats probably wouldn’t end up in the Midwest regional in Madison, Wis, if they fail to win the tournament. Top-seeded Michigan, the favorite in the CCHA Tournament will end up there if they win tonight and tomorrow. UNH would not fall beyond the overall five or six spot, so it’s unlikely that the Wildcats would have to head to Madison.

Last night, Minnesota defeated St. Cloud State in the first game of the WCHA Final Five. The Gophers essentially locked up a spot in the tournament, and almost guaranteed that a third Hockey East team will not receive a bid. The UM victory improves the PairWise standing of Minnesota State – the Gophers defeated Minnesota State in the WCHA Quarterfinals – so Boston University and Vermont must either win the conference tournament or make a serious case for themselves between now and Sunday morning when the committee reveals the brackets.

I’m heading up the box now. More From the Press Box after the first period …

UMass advances in NIT

2008-03-18T19:58:00.004-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

AMHERST -- UMass 80, Stephen F. Austin 60 (final)

UMass advances to the second round of the NIT with the victory over the Lumberjacks.

The Minutemen play the winner of 4-seed Florida St. and 5-seed Akron. The date and time for that game has not yet been announced. The location will be another home game for UMass at the Mullins Center.

Dante Milligan led all scorers with 24 points. He also added nine rebounds and seven blocks, narrowly missing the double-double. Gary Forbes chipped in 19 points Ricky Harris had 16.

SFA's Josh Alexander scored his typical 21 points, but Matt Kingsley struggled, scoring 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

All but over (for real, this time)

2008-03-18T19:44:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

AMHERST -- OK, I promise this time. This one is over.

I know I said that against Charlotte at halftime in the A-10 Tournament.

But it's for real this time. UMass leads 75-54 with 3:27 left.

Career night from Dante Milligan. He currently has 22 points. Definitely the best game he has ever had here at UMass.

If a tree falls in the forest...

2008-03-18T18:47:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

AMHERST -- If a game tips-off and nobody is around to see it, did it really happen?

If you look at the halftime score, UMass 33, SFA 25, it appears that, yes, this game really did happen.

There are honestly more cheerleaders here than fans in the Maroon Platoon.

The Lumberjacks have looked flat-terrible offensively in this one. Although, so did Charlotte in the Atlantic 10 Tournament against UMass.

Dante Milligan leads UMass and all scorers with 10 points. Gary Forbes has nine.

SFA is 11-of-30 from the field, including 1-of-7 from the perimeter.

Bad Karma

2008-03-18T17:51:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

AMHERST -- The game hasn't even tipped off yet, and the Lumberjacks are off to a bad start.

How?

They didn't show up for the playing of the National Anthem.

Not good.

Fan total: 35?

2008-03-18T17:44:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

AMHERST -- The bad news: UMass missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the 10th straight season.

Good news? For UMass fans, they don't have to travel far to see their Minutemen.

UMass (21-10, 10-7 Atlantic 10) hosts the 26-5 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in first-round NIT action tonight at 6 p.m.

It's not 12 minutes before tip-off. And THERE IS NOBODY HERE.

And I mean, NOBODY.

NCAA Hockey Tournament Bracketology

2008-03-18T03:50:00.004-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

Massachusetts’s loss to New Hampshire in the first round of the Hockey East Tournament will most likely end its season. Its second-half record, 5-13-1, made it nearly impossible for the Minutemen to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament unless there is some serious drama in the final weekend of conference tournaments.

The 2008 NCAA Tournament should signal a letdown for Hockey East in general. In 2007, five teams from the conference earned bids to the tournament. But this season, no more than two are locks for the tournament, and the chances of a third are not at all high. Three All-American goaltenders left – UMass’s Jon Quick and Boston College’s Cory Schneider to the professional ranks and Boston University’s Jon Curry to graduation – and the overall level of play in the conference suffered. Not much has gone right for Hockey East in this decade. Teams from the WCHA and CCHA have won seven of the last eight national championships and six in a row. Of those seven championships, Hockey East teams have lost six of them.

The NCAA Hockey Tournament works just like its cousin on the hardwood – just on a smaller scale. Instead of 65 teams, there are 16; instead of 31 automatic bids, there are six; instead of 34 at-large bids, there 10. But, the drama and intensity are still the same. When Holy Cross upset top-ranked Minnesota in 2006, the shockwaves resembled those of George Mason’s win over Connecticut in 2006.

Only Niagara and Air Force have clinched automatic bids thus far. Princeton, Michigan, Colorado College and New Hampshire are the highest-remaining seeds in their conference tournaments, so let’s assume they go on to earn the bids with victories. If all that happens, here’s a look at what the field-of-16 would look like based on those automatic bids and the 10 at-large bids.

Automatic bids
WCHA: Colorado College*
CCHA: Michigan*
Hockey East: New Hampshire*
ECACHL: Princeton*
Atlantic Hockey: Air Force
College Hockey America: Niagara
* - Highest remaining seed in conference tournament

The 16 teams must be ranked in order to determine seeding and bracket placement. Michigan has been No. 1 or 2 all season and will be the top seed if it goes on to win the CCHA Tournament. Colorado College and New Hampshire, as champions of the other two power conferences, will follow as the second and third seeds in all likelihood.

The remaining 10 spots are awarded to the teams with the best PairWise Ranking. The PairWise Rankings aren’t perfect, but they are the best we have to mimic the process used by the selection committee.

Again, it is completely possible that teams like Miami, North Dakota and Boston College could go on to win their conference tournaments, but predicting all of this is hard enough without going through the conference tournaments game-by-game. The 10 teams below are the 10 non-conference champions with the best PairWise Ranking. Of the 10, Minnesota State, Clarkson and Michigan State were eliminated this weekend and are likely to fall in the rankings by the time the committee locks itself in. Michigan State has the most realistic chance of the three to advance to the national tournament since Harvard, Vermont and Boston University are three of the last four teams out of the field and are still playing. Wisconsin is the fourth, and just doesn’t deserve a bid considering its sub-.500 record and loss in the first round of the WCHA Tournament to St. Cloud State.

At-large bids
Boston College (Hockey East)
Clarkson (ECACHL)
Denver (WCHA)
Miami (CCHA)
Michigan State (CCHA)
Minnesota (WCHA)
Minnesota State (WCHA)
North Dakota (WCHA)
Notre Dame (CCHA)
St. Cloud State (WCHA)

The automatic and at-large bids are then seeded 1-16 based on their PairWise Ranking. A team’s PWR is not at all affected by winning a conference tournament outside of what they gain from the head-to-head victory.

Final seeding
1. Michigan
2. Colorado College
3. New Hampshire
4. Miami
5. North Dakota
6. Boston College
7. Denver
8. St. Cloud State
9. Michigan State
10. Clarkson
11. Minnesota
12. Notre Dame
13. Minnesota State
14. Princeton
15. Niagara
16. Air Force

Placing the field

Niagara, Air Force and Princeton will be the lowest seeds in the tournament despite their status as conference champions. Seeding the teams is essentially done at this point. But for clarity here are the 1s, 2s, 3s and 4s:

No. 1s: Michigan, Colorado College, New Hampshire and Miami
No. 2s: North Dakota, Boston College, Denver and St. Cloud State
No. 3s: Michigan State, Clarkson, Minnesota and Notre Dame
No. 4s: Minnesota State, Princeton, Niagara and Air Force

The main goals are to keep No. 1s close to home and avoid opening-round matchups between teams in the same conference.

Northeast Region (Worcester, Mass.)
1. New Hampshire
2. Boston College
3. Minnesota
4. Princeton

Princeton vs. New Hampshire
Minnesota vs. Boston College

East Region (Albany, N.Y.)
1. Miami
2. North Dakota
3. Notre Dame
4. Minnesota State

Minnesota State vs. Miami
Notre Dame vs. North Dakota

Midwest Region (Madison, Wis.)
1. Michigan
2. St. Cloud State
3. Michigan State
4. Air Force

Air Force vs. Michigan
Michigan State vs. St. Cloud State

West Region (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
1. Colorado College
2. Denver
3. Clarkson
4. Niagara

Niagara vs. Colorado College
Clarkson vs. Denver

There are no intra-conference matchups in the first round so the brackets don’t need to be adjusted at all.

Examining the at-large bids

Whether or not they earn automatic bids, Michigan, Colorado College and New Hampshire are locks for the tournament. Miami, North Dakota, Boston College, Denver, Notre Dame and Minnesota are also guaranteed a spot whether or not they manage to win their conference tournaments. All five could easily win the tournaments they’ll play in this weekend, but let’s examine their at-large resumes should they lose. Like I said, these teams are in regardless, but their play this weekend could seriously affect the tournament’s final seeding.

Miami

Whenever Michigan hasn’t been in the top spot of the USCHO/CSTV Division I Men’s Poll this season, the spot belonged to Miami. It has the most wins in the nation (31) and is second to Michigan in the PairWise Rankings. In two games against Michigan, Miami lost, 4-2, and played to a 5-5 tie – both games were at home. Only seven of its games came against any of the teams in the 16-team field; Miami went 4-2-1 in those games.

Although Miami is a lock for the tournament, its place as a No. 1 seed is by no means solidified. It must advance to the conference championship game and get a little help from North Dakota. If the Sioux win the WCHA, they’ll get one of the top spots. And if they go through Colorado College to do it, Miami will be a No. 2 unless they win the CCHA. The Red Hawks cannot look ahead to Michigan, however, with a talented Notre Dame team awaiting them on Friday.

North Dakota

It’s quite simple for the Sioux. Win the CCHA and they’ll earn a No. 1 seed. A loss will make it difficult if New Hampshire, Colorado College and Michigan go on to win their conferences. North Dakota is third in the PairWise behind Michigan and Miami, so a Miami win in the CCHA Tournament would almost assure the Sioux of a two seed.

All of the teams remaining in the WCHA Tournament are in the current 16-team field, so any and every win for the Sioux will bolster their resume. Their semifinal matchup with St. Cloud Friday afternoon will be interesting as the teams split the season series as 1-1-2.

Boston College

BC overcame its characteristically slow start with another strong second half. Although the Eagles did lose five of seven games at the end of February and beginning of March, they swept Providence in the Hockey East Quarterfinals. BC did blow a chance to improve its resume by losing both ends of a home-and-home with New Hampshire on Feb. 22 and 23. On Oct. 19, BC and North Dakota played in possibly the least likely scoreless tie in college hockey history. Aside from that, BC is 3-2 against teams under consideration or already in the NCAA Tournament.

Hobey Baker candidate Nathan Gerbe is playing his best hockey of the season – three goals and an assist in the sweep of Providence – entering Friday’s semifinal matchup with New Hampshire. It’s possible that the Eagles can earn a No. 1 if they win Hockey East and get some help out West.

Check out this goal Gerbe scored against Providence Saturday night.

Denver

The Pioneers are tied with the Eagles for sixth in the PairWise Rankings with the Eagles holding the edge due to their superior record against common opponents. A win over North Dakota Friday and a victory in the conference championship game is Denver’s only chance to earn a No. 1, but the Pioneers are in whether or not they advance past Friday.

Head-to-head, Denver dropped three of its four games to both North Dakota and Colorado College. So if it plans to win the WCHA, and beat the best in doing so, the Pioneers must play better than they did in the regular season.

St. Cloud State

I don’t consider the Huskies a particularly great hockey team given their general lack of consistency throughout the season. In fact, they have the lowest winning percentage of any team under consideration for a two seed. But their membership in the WCHA appears to offset that to those at the NCAA. This is the main problem with the PairWise system; teams like St. Cloud can earn a two seed in the NCAA Tournament because they lose to better teams than someone like Notre Dame defeats.

It just seems so contradictory to reward someone for losing. Anyway, Clarkson and Michigan State are the two teams directly behind the Huskies in the PairWise, so if the Huskies beat Minnesota in the Sudden-Death Semifinal of the WCHA Tournament, they are essentially guaranteed a two seed.

Minnesota

Like St. Cloud, Minnesota is greatly helped by Michigan State’s and Clarkson’s elimination in the early stages of their tournaments. The Gophers played their way into a spot by beating Minnesota State this weekend. To move up at all, they’ll need to do some work in the WCHA Tournament. While no team has ever won the WCHA Championship from the four or five seed, the Gophers proved they belonged in the mix with their back-to-back overtime wins over Minnesota State.

The Gophers were only average in WCHA play this season at 9-12-3 including an 0-1-1 record against Friday’s obstacle, St. Cloud. A No. 2 seed is unlikely for the Gophers. But if they defeat St. Cloud and Colorado College, and Princeton and Northern Michigan – the teams that eliminated Clarkson and Michigan State – both go down on Friday, the Gophers could be a No. 2. Did you get all that?

Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish have a great chance to solidify their spot with a win over Miami on Friday. The Irish won at Miami on Nov. 9, but that was a very long time ago. Despite winning seven more games than Minnesota thus far, the Gophers are far better against common opponents and teams under consideration for the tournament.

Notre Dame is going to make the tournament. But I really don’t think it can expect much higher than No. 3 seed if it doesn’t defeat Miami. Although, like Minnesota, the absence of Clarkson and Michigan State could help the Irish if Princeton and Northern Michigan go down this weekend.

Michigan State

Since the defending-national-champion Spartans hold the tiebreaker over Clarkson, they are most likely in even with their loss to lowly Northern Michigan. Their 5-1-1 record over common opponents with the Golden Knights gives them the advantage. With teams like Boston University and Vermont on the bubble and still alive in their conference tournaments, the Spartans could have some problems if the Terriers or Catamounts earn the automatic bid from Hockey East with BC and UNH already locks.

It does seem as though, the Spartans will get the call, however. Minnesota State, the 13th seed and final at-large bid was eliminated by Minnesota this weekend, making way for another team in the tournament.

Minnesota State

I really don’t see how Minnesota State can earn a bid now even though they would most likely be in if the tournament’s ended today. Dependent upon everything that happens this weekend, I see Boston University earning the final at-large bid with a win over Vermont and a loss to New Hampshire in the Hockey East Championship.

It’s confusing, I know. But it really isn’t that difficult. The system is more controversial than confusing since losing is rewarding so heavily. For example, teams like Wisconsin and even UMass really have no business in the tournament, but there is a scenario that would force both teams into the discussion. The committee would never allow UMass into the tournament, realistically. But if BU were to advance to the Hockey East Championship Game and defeat New Hampshire, UMass would rise in the PWR possibly to the 15 or 16 spot since UMass won the season series with BU, 2-1. But the committee, thankfully, isn’t likely to extend a bid to a team with a sub-.500 record like UMass or even Wisconsin.

Naturally, all of this will change Saturday night when the conference title games are played. But for now, this is what things should look like.

Joe Meloni is a UMass hockey beat writer for the Daily Collegian. He can be reached at joe.meloni@gmail.com

Late-inning meltdown

2008-03-18T00:05:00.002-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

It may be early in the season for the Massachusetts baseball team, but its game on Monday afternoon will likely go down as the craziest of the season.

Leading 8-1 after three innings, and 8-3 in the bottom of the sixth over Army, the Minuteman pitching staff imploded -- allowing Army to score nine runs and take a 12-8 lead.

After scoreless 7th and 8th innings, UMass fought back and pulled within one run at 12-11 with two outs in the 9th.

But with the tying and potential winning run on base, Mike Donato struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

With the loss, UMass falls 2-4 on the young season, but it still won the series (2 games to 1) over Army.

BOX SCORE

Players: Don't cry over spilt milk

2008-03-17T01:30:00.002-04:00

Men's Basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

Team captain Gary Forbes' reaction after finding out UMass missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season:

"You can't cry over spilt milk for too long. We still got a chance to play basketball and prove something. "

"The NCAA Tournament is gone, and it was in our hands and we could have done something. But we didn't and it wasn't meant to be."

From Chris Lowe:

"We just gotta be happy to play. A lot of teams in college basketball aren't playing right now -- at least 200 teams had to hand in their uniforms.

"At least we get to play another day."

From coach Travis Ford:

"Our resume I think is a lot better than some of the teams that got in. Briefly looking at a few teams I was surprised that got in, I thought we had a lot better record."

For complete coverage, click here.

Doubleheader sweep

2008-03-17T00:03:00.003-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

The Massachusetts baseball team swept a doubleheader with Army on Sunday night for its first two wins of the season.

The Minutemen improve to 2-3, and will finish the series at 3 p.m., on Monday afternoon at the New York Yankees Spring Training Complex in Tampa, Fla.

In game one, UMass was led by the pitching from Mitchell and Mitchell for a 1-0 win in eight innings (as part of the doubleheader, game one was a regulation of seven innings). Starter Mitchell Clegg lasted 5.1 innings, allowing no runs on three hits. Mitchell Eilenberg relieved him, going 2.2 innings of shutout ball for the win.

The winning run for the Minutemen was delivered by Kyle Multner, who drive in Ryan Franczek on an RBI single. On the play, Adam Tempesta was thrown out at the plate for the third out. The run was unearned thanks to an error by the first baseman on Army.

In game No. 2, UMass pounced on Army pitching, winning 7-1. The Minutemen were led at the plate by outfielders Brian Baudinet (3-4, 1 run and 1 RBI) and Mike Donato (3-4, 1 run, 3 RBI). Multner also had two hits and an RBI.

But the story of the game was the stellar pitching by sophomore Bryan Leigh. In eight innings of work, Leigh allowed just one hit, but he was charged with an unearned run in the fifth inning. Leigh struck out four and walked two.

Minutemen NIT-bound for second straight season

2008-03-16T19:31:00.001-04:00

Men's Basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

Before the Atlantic 10 Tournament started, Massachusetts point guard Chris Lowe said the Minutemen had a hard time getting up for their NIT game last season.

It will be even harder this year.

UMass (21-10, 10-7 A-10) missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the 10th straight season today, narrowly missing out making the field of 65. And for the second year in a row, a poor performance in the conference tournament is to blame. A win over Charlotte (they had an 18-point lead) would likely have been enough.

Check back here later tonight for reaction from coach Travis Ford and players.

UMass more aggressive in second half

2008-03-16T15:24:00.003-04:00

Women's Lacrosse
Adam Miller

Northwestern 18, UMass 2 - 2:18 left

The Minutewomen are significantly more aggressive in the second half with six shots in the half, but it has resulted in only one goal. Northwestern is bringing in some of its reserves now that the game is out of reach.

Look for details on the game in tomorrow's wrap.

Side note: Brittany Wilbon played the last two minutes of the game. Her godfather is Northwestern alum and ESPN personality Michael Wilbon.

Spencer 5, UMass 1

2008-03-16T14:34:00.003-04:00

Women's Lacrosse
Adam Miller

Northwestern 12, UMass 1 - half-time

Northwestern sophomore Danielle Spencer is taking over the game with five goals in the first half. She currently has more goals than UMass has shots (2).

Part of the reason UMass is lacking scoring attempts is because its defense is packing up the middle, which stopped working by around the 25 minute mark. The Minutewomen have turned the ball over almost every time they are in Wildcat territory.

The Minutewomen are struggling to keep up with the Wildcat fast break. NU has only two assists on their 12 goals.

We'll see ya next year

2008-03-15T21:09:00.002-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

New Hampshire 7, Massachusetts 2

Durham, N.H. - The Wildcats finished their sweep of the eighth-seeded Minutemen in the quarterfinals of the Hockey East Tournament with senior Matt Fornataro's shorthanded goal late in the period.

With their second-half collapse, the Minutemen are unlikely to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament ending their season tonight with an embarrassing loss to UNH in Durham.

UNH erupts

2008-03-15T20:30:00.003-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

New Hampshire 6, UMass 1

DURHAM, N.H. - UMass entered the second period down one goal and looking for an equalizer. Alex Berry hit the post early, signaling good things for the Minutemen.

But UMass quickly learned the difference between itself New Hampshire.

UMass creates chance; UNH capitalizes on them. The Wildcats scored four unanswered goals in the period and now hold a commanding 6-1 lead entering the third period.

Junior Jerry Pollastrone scored his second and third goals of the game, adding his series total of five. Freshman goaltender Paul Dainton was removed from the game after UNH made it 4-1.

Chances fading by the minute

2008-03-15T20:16:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

Just thinking about UMass's postseason chances over the past few days is enough to make anyone's head spin.

Before the Atlantic 10 Tournament began, UMass seemed like virtual locks to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998.

Just days later, the Minutemen appear to be virtual locks for a home game in the NIT, instead.

For the second straight season, UMass entered the conference tournament on a six-game winning streak and a first-round bye. And for the second straight year, they exited after just one game. It cost them a spot in the NCAAs last year, and it appears that it will once again this year.

A win over Charlotte in the A-10 tournament would have been enough and all they needed. But they couldn't get it.

However, with bubble teams losing all over the place in the past few days, UMass snuck back into the picture for an at-large bid. In fact, ESPN's Joe Lunardi had them as the last team in the field last night at around 5 p.m.

No more.

With Temple just defeating Saint Joseph's for the A-10 title, UMass is in serious trouble.

This is what we know:

Xavier is a lock for the tournament (likely a 3 or 4-seed)
Temple is in with the automatic bid

This is what we think:

Saint Joseph's will sneak in, even with the loss in the finals. The Hawks beat Xavier twice in the last two weeks (once yesterday in the A-10 semi's) and made a strong run in the conference tournament. That should be enough.

For UMass:

With most assuming Xavier would win the A-10 tourney, it seemed highly likely that only one team (maybe two...UMass) would make it into the NCAA Tournament.
With the way things played out, two are locks and a third (St Joe's) will likely get in.
The unthinkable a week ago (four A-10 teams getting in) is a real long shot at this point. UMass needs that long shot to come through.

Chances of that long shot?

My guess: 2 percent

The Mullins Center is going to host an NIT game for the second consecutive year...

UMass/Army pushed back a day

2008-03-15T20:03:00.002-04:00

Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike

The start of a three-game series between the Massachusetts baseball team and Army could not begin today due to wet field conditions.

The teams will play a doubleheader tommorow starting at 1 p.m., at the New York Yankees minor league complex in Tampa, Fla. The final game in the series will be played Sunday at 3 p.m.

UMass (0-3) was swept last weekend by the No. 1 team in the country, Arizona State.

Wildcats up one after one

2008-03-15T19:33:00.005-04:00

Hockey
Jeremy Rice

New Hampshire 2, Massachusetts 1

DURHAM, N.H. -- The referess kept the whistles to themselves in Game 1 of the Hockey East quarterfinals between the Massachusetts hockey team and New Hampshire.

Apparently they were saving them for tonight.

Scott Crowder was whistled for a game miscondct seven minutes into the first period, and the ensuing five-minute penalty resulted in two goals for the Wildcats. Jerry Pollastrone scored his third goal of the series, throwing the puck on net and bouncing off of UMass goaltender Paul Dainton's left leg pad.

Just 21 seconds later, Matt Fornataro padded the lead, banging home a one-timer from Danny Dries behind the net.

As fast as UNH took the momentum, they gave it right back, committing two penalties in 17 seconds with seven minutes remaining in the frame, giving UMass a much needed 5-on-3 power play.

Alex Berry took advantage with his seventh goal in nine games, putting home rebound on a shot by P.J. Feton. UNH goalie Kevin Regan stopped the first shot, and the second by James Marcou, but Berry turned quickly and backhanded the puck past Regan to close within one goal.

UMass leads in shots on goal 14-13.

More From the Press Box after the second period...

Cahoon changes things up

2008-03-15T18:40:00.002-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

DURHAM, N.H. - Dissatisfied with his team performance last night, UMass coach Don Cahoon made some changes to tonight's lines.

On the defensive side, UMass is the same with Paul Dainton in goal and the same four defensive pairings. Offensively, Jordan Virtue and Marc Conannon are not in action this evening , replaced by freshmen Shawn Saunders and Brian Keane.

The lines from left to right are:
LW P.J. Fenton - Michel Lecomte - Chris Davis
Alex Berry - Cory Quirk - James Marcou
Brian Keane - Brett Watson - Will Ortiz
Shawn Saunders - Scott Crowder - Marr Burto

The defensive pairings are:
Martin Nolet - Mike Kostka
David Leaderer - Justin Braun
Topher Bevis - Doug Kublin.

The Minutemen struggled to establish any consistency and made some mistakes that led directly to odd-man rushes for the Wildcats. Saunders can bring energy to any line he's on as he displayed against Boston University two weekends ago.

Once again the arena is filled mostly by older UNH fans as the student body began its spring break yesterday. However, the student fans are not completely unrepresented and the segment that is here was quit vocal last night and should be again.

Check back after the first intermission for more From the Press Box ...

Minutemen fall in third

2008-03-14T21:30:00.004-04:00

Hockey
Jeremy Rice

New Hampshire 4, Massachusetts 1

DURHAM, N.H. -- UMass gave up three third-period goals to blow a golden opportunity to steal game one of the the best-of-three Hockey East quarterfinal series.

Matt Fornataro and Greg Collins scored on odd-man rushes to pull away from the Minutemen early in third. UMass struggled to hold onto the puck and could not muster any offense after keeping pace with the Wildcats for the first two periods.

Jerry Pollastrone scored his second goal of the night on a empty net to close out the game. The Minutemen face elimination tomorrow night in Durham and must win the next two games to advance to the semifinals next week at the TD BankNorth Garden in Boston.

More From the Press Box after tomorrow's first period...

Check out Collegian photographer Brian Tedder's photos from the game.

Even second

2008-03-14T20:15:00.002-04:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

Both UMass and UNH managed scoring chances in the second period, but neither team could beat the goaltender and the second period ended with the game still tied, 1-1.

UMass earned its first power play of the game on a cross-checking call to UNH freshman Danny Dries. The Minutemen struggled to keep the puck in the UNH zone. Throughout the season, UMass coach Don Cahoon mentioned his team's zone entry in transition and on man advantage and how it must improve. The issue still is not resolved and UMass lost a key opportunity because of it.

For scores from the three other Hockey East series, check out Hockey East Online.

Check back after regulation for more From the Press Box ...

Dainton's mistep ties game

2008-03-14T19:40:00.002-04:00

Hockey
Jeremy Rice

Massachusetts 1, New Hampshire 1

The Massachusetts hockey team took an early one-goal lead 2 minutes. 28 seconds into the first period when Will Ortiz scored his first goal in 18 games, beating UNH goaltender Kevin Regan 5-hole.

UMass goalie Paul Dainton let the Wildcats back in it four minutes later. Dainton came out to challenge Jerry Pollastrone on a break away, swallowed up the shot, but slid backward into the net for UNH's first goal of the night.

The Minutemen committed two penalties, a trip by Ortiz and a bench minor for too many men on the ice, but the penalty kill has been solid so far.

UMass outshot UNH 24-9 in the first period.

More From the Press Box after the second period...

Déjà Vu

2008-03-13T23:10:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Mike Connors

It appears that for the second consecutive season UMass will be participating in the NIT rather than the NCAA Tournament.

After Charlotte made a rapid second half comeback to assume a 50-47 lead with just over ten minutes remaining, the Minutemen went on a 15-3 run to take control of the game, 63-52.

However, UMass scored just three points in the final 4:54 of the game. Chris Lowe was sent to the free throw line with 48 seconds remaining and his team trailing by one (66-65), but he missed the front end of a one-and-one and Leemire Goldwire made his third three-pointer in the final 3:20 of the game to preserve the Charlotte win, 69-65.

The Minutemen finished the game 7-of-17 from the free throw line and this was a glaring weakness throughout the season. Had the Minutemen been more successful at the line, they may have been looking at an NCAA at-large bid rather than the likely NIT Tournament game they'll be hosting.

Wow

2008-03-13T22:19:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Lamont Mack and Leemire Goldwire.

Lamont Mack and Leemire Goldwire.

Wash, rinse and repeat.

They duo have combined to score 25 of the last 27 points for Charlotte in a FURIOUS comeback.

The 49ers lead, 48-47 with 11:22 left. They trailed by 16 at halftime.

Charlotte playing awful

2008-03-13T21:34:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- UMass is playing well, but the 49ers are handing them this game right now.

UMass leads, 36-19 at the half.

Charlotte has 15 offensive rebounds, but can't put the ball into the hoop. The 49ers are shooting a dismal 8-of-35 from the field, and 1-of-10 from long distance.

UMass on the other hand, can't miss from beyond the arc. Etienne Brower is 4-for-5 from deep.

Charlotte: 10 turnovers, 2-of-7 from the foul line and it goes on and on.

This game could already be over.

Nothin' but a 3-thang

2008-03-13T21:25:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- No surprise here: UMass is taking a lot of 3-pointers tonight.

But they're also making a lot of them. The Minutemen have drained four consecutive to take a 17-9 lead. 8:45 left.

Wait. Make that five in a row. 20-9. They can't miss.

Plenty going on early

2008-03-13T21:15:00.003-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Trouble for UMass early. Chris Lowe has two fouls, just 4:35 seconds into the game.

That means more minutes for Gary Correia -- who hasn't supplied much offense this season. However, he has done a good job taking care of the basketball.

UPDATE: Trouble for Charlotte. The Minutemen have hit three straight 3-pointers to take a 14-7 lead. 12:22 to go in first half.

Atlantic 10 Tournament pre-game thoughts

2008-03-13T20:46:00.002-04:00

Men's basketball
Eli Rosenswaike

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Tip-off between UMass and Charlotte in the second round of the Atlantic 10 men's basketball tournament is just minutes away.

The Minutemen could be just two hours away from securing an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998 if they can get past the 49ers tonight.

UMass beat Charlotte earlier this season in its only meeting, and will have to contain the production from Leemire Goldwire if it hopes to do the same.

A loss in this one for UMass coach Travis Ford and Co. could prove costly and relegate the Minutemen to the NIT for the second straight year.

Check back right here for updates during the game, and go to www.dailycollegian.com at about 1 a.m. for complete coverage of the matchup.

Minutemen score two in third, headed to Durham

2008-03-08T21:11:00.002-05:00

Hockey
Jeremy Rice

Massachusetts 4, Merrimack 2

The Minutemen waited until they absolutely had to, but they came through when it counted, scoring two goals 30 seconds apart with about seven minutes remaining.

Alexander Berry and Jordan Virtue scored goals to clinch a playoff berth for UMass.

James Marcou was the star of the night with three assists.

Merrimack owns second

2008-03-08T20:22:00.002-05:00

Hockey
Joe Meloni

UMass 2, Merrimack 2

Another weak second period from UMass allowed Merrimack back into the game. The Warriors tied the game at 11:58 when Joe Cucci beat Paul Dainton with a wrister over the net minder's glove.

The Minutemen struggled to find their rhythm in the period while the Warriors moved the puck crisply from zone-to-zone.

After the first period, shots on goals were tied at 10. But the Warriors jumped in front on the second, matching their first-period total while halving UMass's.

A win for UMass or a Maine tie or loss puts the Minutemen in the Hockey East Tournament. The Black Bears are tied, 1-1, with UMass Lowell midway through the second period.

Check back after the game for more From the Press Box...