Carl Pierre had no idea the 3-pointer he hit with 8 minutes, 3 seconds remaining Saturday at Rhode Island moved him into second place on UMass’ career list.
The senior captain was more concerned that it put the Minutemen ahead by eight late in a 75-63 victory.
It was his fourth of five 3s in the game, a season high, and the 277th of his career. He was fourth on the list at the start of the game but passed No. 3 Anthony Anderson (275) and No. 2 Ricky Harris (276).
“I knew I was close. I didn’t know that I’d get it done this game,” Pierre said. “It’s a cool thing to think about, all the players who have played here, all the great shooters that have come here.”
Monty Mack, who played from 1997-2001, is ahead of him with 331. Pierre ranks in the program’s top-20 scorers all time.
“Carl’s been through so much in our program,” UMass coach Matt McCall said. “He’s been extremely loyal not only to myself but to UMass. He is what UMass basketball’s about.”
INJURY UPDATE – Sophomore point guard Noah Fernandes was a game-time decision but didn’t play for the second consecutive game with a wrist injury.
“Noah tried to do some things in shoot around, just not there with the wrist,” McCall said.
Freshman guard Javohn Garcia left the game with 9:54 remaining after Rhode Island forward Antwan Walker inadvertently elbowed him in the head grabbing for a rebound. Garcia spent the rest of the game with a large bandage over his left eye and temple.
“Javohn got poked in the eye pretty good,” McCall said. “We’ll have to get back, and he’ll have to get with our doctors.”
BARREN FROM DEEP – Rhode Island didn’t make a 3-pointer for the first time since November 2011, when the Rams lost 67-45 against Cleveland State. On Saturday, Rhode Island missed all 10 attempts from deep.
UMass hit nine 3s.
NO TIME FOR FREE THROWS – The Minutemen only attempted five free throws, by far the fewest all season. Their previous low was 16 against Davidson.
UMass made 4-of-5 from the stripe. It was the fewest the program attempted since also going 4-for-5 against Saint Louis last February.
SKY WALKER – Rhode Island forward Antwan Walker threw down a thunderous windmill dunk on the fast break to give Rhode Island a 45-43 lead with 15:12 left.
Kyle Grabowski can be reached at kgrabowski@gazettenet.com. Follow him on Twitter @kylegrbwsk.