Harris’ 28 points, winning layup earn A-10 berth for UMass in 69-67 win over Rhode Island

Harris lifts UMass over Rhode Island 69-67

AMHERST, Mass. — Ricky Harris’ layup with 3.5 seconds remaining gave Massachusetts a 69-67 victory over Rhode Island on Saturday that clinched an Atlantic 10 Conference tournament berth for the Minutemen.

Harris scored 28 points and moved into third place in career scoring for the Minutemen (11-19, 5-11) with 1,917 points, passing Lou Roe.

The Rams (21-8, 9-7) led 49-40 with 11:38 left before a 12-1 run gave Massachusetts a 52-50 lead.

After a layup by Delroy James gave Rhode Island its final lead, 62-61, with 2:49 left, baskets by Terrell Vinson and Harris put the Minutemen ahead by three.

Rhode Island’s Marquis Jones tied the game at 67 on two free throws with 37 seconds left but missed a 3-point try at the buzzer after Harris’ go-ahead layup.

Javorn Farrell scored 12 points and Freddie Riley 11 for Massachusetts.

Jones scored 15 points and James 12 for Rhode Island.