UMass head coach Derek Kellogg is currently in his fourth season in charge at the university and the Minutemen have been among the pleasant surprises in the Atlantic 10 this season.
At 14-4 overall, UMass is 3-1 in the league and currently sits in a three-way tie for first.
Hofstra transfer and sophomore guard Chaz Williams has brought a flare to Amherst, leading the team in points (16.2) and assists (5.9) per game.
Both attributes were on display this past weekend, as UMass grabbed their second consecutive victory in a 71-62 win over St. Joseph's.
Williams led the way with 22 points and seven assists in the ball game, helping pave the way for the team's eighth win over the past nine games.
The athletic group with a fast-paced mentality currently ranks 33rd in the country in points (77.3) and seventh in rebounds (40.9).
The Minutemen have great length on the defensive end and the ability to run a crisp fast break thanks to the leadership of Williams.
Nearing the halfway point of the first half and facing a 12-point deficit, UMass got a block and a run out.
Sophomore forward Raphiael Putney finished at the other end with an emphatic dunk, and it comes of no surprise that it was Williams who got the assist with a nifty between-the-legs dish.
Putney has now scored in double-figures in seven of the team's past eight games, and UMass fans are becoming more and more aware of the forward's true potential and ability.
Take a look at Williams' give to Putney on the break from this past weekend:
*Photo: Raphiael Putney *Credit: gazettenet.com
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Original Story:
http://www.thearenapulse.com/2012/01/...
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January 18, 2012
