UMass vs. Providence: Minutemen, Friars battle in Puerto Rico Tip-Off

Chaz Williams and the UMass Minutemen look to build off of their exciting start to the season when they meet the Providence Friars in the first round of the 2012 Puerto Rice Tip-Off on Thursday night.

UMass (1-0) used a game-winning three from Sampson Carter -- the only shot he made all game -- to capture a 67-64 win over the Harvard Crimson. Williams had a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists while Jesse Morgan scored a team-high 19 and Raphiael Putney added 13 points for the Minutemen.

Providence has posted back-to-back wins to open the new campaign. The Friars have two players averaging 20 or more points per game -- Bryce Cotton (22.5 PPG) and LaDontae Henton (20.0 PPG) -- and Kadeem Batts is scoring 18.5 points a night through two games. The Friars defeated N.J.I.T., 64-63, in their season opener and bested crushed Bryant, 81-49, on Monday.

Thursday evening's game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and will air on ESPNU.