2014 NCAA Tournament Profile: UMass Minutemen
By Cam Newton
Mar 9, 2014; Amherst, MA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen guard Chaz Williams (3) reacts while playing defense during the first half against the Saint Louis Billikens at Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Massachusetts Minutemen
Record: (24-8, 10-6 Atlantic 10)
RPI: 21 (.612)
BPI: 32 (93.0)
Conference: Atlantic 10
How They Qualified: At-large
Season Summary
UMass started out hot this season, winning their first ten games and eventually starting the season with an astounding record of 16-1. The Minutemen have relied heavily on guard play from Chaz Williams, a star player who seemingly does it all for the Minutemen. Williams is able to shoot efficiently and set up players to score with ease. Without Williams, it’s hard to say what this team’s record would be.
UMass struggled a bit at the start of conference play, but they managed to regain their composure and pick up a few solid wins to end the season.
What You Need to Know
Leading Scorer: Chaz Williams – 15.8 ppg
Leading Rebounder: Cady Lalanne – 8.0 rpg
Leading Passer: Chaz Williams – 7.0 apg
Bad Losses: George Mason
Good Wins: Nebraska, Clemson, New Mexico, BYU, LSU
What to Expect
UMass was named as a six seed in the Midwest Region in this year’s bracket and they’ll be facing the winner of the Iowa/Tennessee First Four match-up. I picked UMass to lose to whomever the winner of the Iowa/Tennessee game is, as both are solid power conference teams that will easily be able to fend off Chaz Williams. Williams will need to have a miraculous few games if UMass is to make a run at all in this year’s tournament.
Congratulations to the UMass Minutemen! They are going dancing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998!