AMHERST — One of the most overlooked factors in recruiting is timing of commitments.

When UMass coaches hit the recruiting trail last year to begin the process of securing the current freshman class that has energized the program, they pursued several players who ended up signing elsewhere.

Two of the point guards they pursued the hardest — Breein Tyree (Ole Miss) and Alani Moore II (Temple) — have been on the opposing bench each of the last two games. Both made their commitments early. Had either one chosen UMass, Dejon Jarreau and Brison Gresham might have gone elsewhere, as the package duo made their decisions later in the process.

The two New Orleans natives said they wanted to go somewhere they were needed. Had UMass already signed a point guard, Jarreau wouldn’t have been nearly as needed.

It has worked out fortuitously for coach Derek Kellogg and the Minutemen.

Tyree, who is coming off of an injury, had no points in five minutes Monday. Moore had five points Thursday, but did make a big shot late for the Owls.

“It’s ironic that guys we recruited, we played against in back-to-back games,” Kellogg said. “I’m not sure what would have happened if they had committed. We were still going to recruit Deeky (Jarreau) and Brison, cause I think they’re that good.”

Gresham is still waiting on the NCAA to make a final ruling on his status, but he looks like a future contributor. It’s hard to picture either Moore or Tyree making as much of an impact as Jarreau has. The UMass freshman had 25 points at Ole Miss and 16 points, including the decisive 3-pointer, in Thursday’s 70-67 win over Temple.

Kellogg is glad things worked out the way they did.

“If I was able to just pick who I wanted, Deeky and Brison is who I would take,” Kellogg said. Jarreau’s “somewhat fearless. To miss a late 3 at Ole Miss and come back and make this one, shows his toughness and his character. He’s just a good kid. I’m happy for him. I’m happy for the team.”

BERGER RETURNS — After missing Monday’s game with a wrist injury, Seth Berger returned for UMass and provided a steadying presence, especially in the second half. He helped slow Temple’s Obi Enechionyia, who had 26 points.

“He was the best matchup for Obi. Seth is smart enough to run the plays from different positions and know what we’re trying to do,” Kellogg said. “He bring a little bit of toughness to the team. When you have a lot of young guys, an older guy with some toughness and some grit to him is who you want out there at that time.”

MISCELLANEOUS — The game’s leading rebounder was its shortest player as Luwane Pipkins finished with nine. Temple forward, Daniel Dingle, who is former Minuteman Dana Dingle’s younger brother, had five points and six assists, but was 2-for-10 from the floor.

There were 3,732 people in attendance.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage