Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
Watch: UMass escapes after George Mason intentionally fouls with score tied in final second
It appeared the game was headed to overtime, but the Patriots gave the Minutemen a gift.
The UMass men’s basketball team has been on the wrong end of several crazy finishes this season.
Entering Saturday, the Minutemen were 0-5 in games decided by five points or fewer, with two losses coming by a single point. Against George Mason, their fortune shifted, and it happened with some serious help from the opposition.
The Patriots had the ball, down two, with 17 seconds left. Woody Newton missed a 3-pointer, a chaotic loose ball ensued, and Baraka Okojie ended up finishing inside with 1.2 seconds left to tie it.
The Minutemen were about to attempt a desperation heave, but before they could, Keyshawn Hall inexplicably fouled Rahsool Diggins. Hall thought his team was down, yet in reality, the score was tied.
Advertisement:
Diggins hit the first free throw, intentionally missed the second, and UMass escaped with a 66-65 win on its home floor.
It was a big victory for the Minutemen, who moved to 14-7 overall and 5-4 in conference.
This is (only) early February.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com