Forbes, second half surge key UMass win over Dukes
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Gary Forbes had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead Massachusetts to a 94-80 win over Duquesne on Wednesday. Ricky Harris and Etienne Brower scored 21 points each for the Minutemen (14-6, 3-3 Atlantic 10), who had lost their last two but won a matchup between two of the top eight scoring teams in the nation.
Kieron Achara and Kojo Mensah had 14 points apiece for the Dukes (13-6, 3-3), who had won seven of nine.
Massachusetts led by nine points at halftime but opened the second half with a 13-4 run to take an 18-point lead.
The Minutemen, who lead the Atlantic 10 and ranked 21st nationally in 3-pointers made per game entering the contest, matched their season average with nine 3-pointers – including five during the first 11 minutes of the second half.
The Minutemen shot 52 percent from the field for the game and 58 percent in the second half. Duquesne shot only 34 percent from the field, made only eight of 31 from 3-point range and missed 16 free throws.
Copyright Associated Press 2008