After missing two potentially game-winning free throws in the waning seconds of regulation, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst men's basketball team defeated Elon University 78-73 in extra time Saturday afternoon in the 2012 Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase in Springfield, Mass.
Elon freshman guard Tanner Samson hit a three-pointer with eight seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 66. On the ensuing UMass possession, Elon junior guard Jack Isenbarger committed a foul, giving UMass junior guard Chaz Williams two free throws to pull ahead with two seconds left. Williams missed both, and the game went to overtime.
The Phoenix (6-4 overall, 1-1 Southern Conference) missed its first five field goals in overtime as the Minutemen pulled ahead 70-66. A three-point play from Elon junior guard Sebastian Koch and a free throw from junior forward Lucas Troutman knotted the game at 70. The Phoenix hit just one of its next four shots, only getting a free throw from sophomore guard Austin Hamilton and a dunk from Koch in the waning seconds as UMass used free throws to pull ahead for the final score.
Williams led the Minutemen with 20 points and nine assists, while senior forward Terrell Vinson had a team-high 22 points and grabbed five rebounds. Senior forward Carter Sampson notched a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds for UMass.
Isenbarger had 22 points and five assists to lead Elon. Koch had 15 points and nine rebounds while Troutman picked up his first double-double of the season with 14 points and ten rebounds.
The Phoenix struggled from the field, hitting just 29.9 percent (23-77) from the field and 22.9 percent (8-35) from three-point range. The Minutemen shot 40 percent from the field, but were outrebounded 53-48.
Elon will face No. 2 Duke University Dec. 20 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.