With his team in the midst of a four-game losing streak, UMass coach Derek Kellogg hoped that a little time off was what his team needed.
Coming off their conference bye weekend, the Minutemen are back in action in a rare Tuesday game against Rhode Island (7 p.m. Mullins Center).
After Wednesday’s game at La Salle, Kellogg gave his team two days off before returning to the gym. He focused on making sure everyone is on the same page with eight regular season games to go.
“Chemistry is always something I keep an eye on to make sure our team is staying strong and always trying to go in the right direction all together at once,” he said.
Kellogg said each player can do something to fix the problems.
“You have to make your own destiny. Knock down one more free throw. Make one more basket, one more stop,” he said. “It can be two or three plays throughout the whole game, whether it’s the first half or the second half that can really dictate whether you win or lose a basketball game. You just have to play better for 40 minutes, every possession, every play.”
Junior guard C.J, Anderson said while the Minutemen (12-11, 2-8) would like to get some momentum going to put this losing streak behind them, they can’t look too far ahead.
“We’re just trying to build. It would be a great win to get back on track against a good team,” he said. “We’re taking this like it’s our last one. All you can do is play the game in front of you.”
URI was on a two-game losing streak when the teams met in Kingston on Jan. 16. The Rams’ 79-77 win launched them on a stretch of five victories in six games.
Rhode Island (15-7, 7-3) is in fourth place in the Atlantic 10, but it’s just a half game behind third-place Richmond (8-3) and just a game behind VCU and Dayton who are tied for first at 8-2.
“They’re a good team. They’ve been through the battles, through the wars,” Kellogg said. “They’re one of the better if not the most talented team in the league. For us to have an opportunity, we have to come and play at a high level for 40 minutes or the game will slip away.”
Rhode Island coach Dan Hurley said despite UMass’ recent struggles, his team hasn’t forgotten dropping two of three to the Minutemen last year, including one in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.
“The guys on the team understand the rivalry with UMass,” Hurley said. “The last couple years the different types of tough losses we’ve had there will certainly have their attention.”
Freshman guard Jeff Dowtin made his first career start against the Minutemen and has been solid since, averaging 8.5 points and 3.3 assists since becoming a starter.
“With them being mature around him, he’s been able to slide in there and play really good basketball,” Kellogg said.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage