PHILADELPHIA — After Tuesday night’s loss to Rhode Island, Derek Kellogg said even though Zach Lewis hadn’t played well in his longest stint at point guard, he was optimistic for the potential for playing him there in the future.
In Saturday’s 87-76 win over Saint Joseph’s, Lewis rewarded his optimism.
Lewis had just one assist in the game, but didn’t turn the ball over. He was effective defensively and had nine of his 11 points after intermission playing both on and off the ball, as UMass mostly used a small lineup.
Lewis, a transfer from Canisius, has embraced the opportunity to play the position.
“That something I wanted to do when I came here, but when you’ve got someone as talented as Deeky (DeJon Jarreau), he’s going to play there,” Lewis said. “But I feel comfortable out there.”
JARREAU IMPROVEMENT — Jarreau, who had struggled in UMass’ loss to Rhode Island, Tuesday, had nine points, five assists and just one turnover.
“Deeky showed some poise out there tonight,” Kellogg said. “He was much more calm with the basketball. If we can get out backcourt playing the way I want to we have a chance.”
Jarreau was proud of his effort.
“I defended well. I only had one turnover. I controlled my team and distributed the ball,” he said. “I controlled the pace and my team made plays. That’s what we need to win games.”
His five assists improved his average to 4.6 per game, which ranks him fourth in the Atlantic 10. He’s the only freshman in the top 10.
STANDINGS — The win put UMass in a tie for 12th place with Saint Joseph’s at 3-9, a game behind Fordham and Saint Louis (both 4-8) and a game ahead of Duquesne (2-10) If the Minutemen and Hawks finish in a two-way tie, UMass would get the higher seed because it swept the regular-season series.
HAWK HILL — UMass’ overall losing streak wasn’t the only five-game losing streak the Minutemen snapped Saturday. It also ended a stretch of five consecutive losses at Hagan Arena dating back to 2011.
“We’ve had some really good teams and been down 20 at the half here,” Kellogg said. “I don’t care what St. Joe’s record is, to get a win here is a big win for the program.”
It was UMass’ third road win of the season, improving to 3-7 away from the Mullins Center.
KIMBLE INJURED — St. Joe’s, which lost leading scorer Shavar Newkirk for the season earlier in the year, will now be without sophomore point guard Lamarr Kimble, for the remainder of the season. Kimble, who entered the game leading the Atlantic 10 in minutes played at 39.4 per game. His absence leaves the Hawks without a natural point guard.
MISCELLANEOUS — Seth Berger returned to the starting lineup and had four points in 14 minutes. UMass is now 10-3 in games the he starts. He replaced C.J. Anderson, who came off the bench. But Berger picked up two fouls 1:28 into the game and Anderson replaced him.
The game marked just the 16th time in since the 2011-12 season that UMass has had fewer than 10 turnovers (nine).
Former UMass coach Bruiser Flint, as well as ex-assistant Mike Conners were both in attendance, as was Rashaan Holloway Jr., the UMass center’s infant son.
The game was St. Joe’s coach Phil Martelli’s 700th at St. Joe’s.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage