COL BKB: West Va. 90, UMass 77

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., March 16 (UPI) -- Frank Young scored a game-high 31 points Thursday night as West Virginia topped Massachusetts, 90-77, in the second round of the NIT.

West Virginia led, 37-23, at halftime after holding UMass to its second-fewest point total in a half this season.

Massachusetts came within 74-70 with 4:56 left, but would get no closer.

Darris Nichols had 14 points and six assists; while reserve Darris Nichols added 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists for the Mountaineers (24-9), who have won four of their last five games.

Young tied a school record with his 101st three-pointer.

James Life led UMass with 20 points, three rebounds, and two steals.

Stephane Lasme had 14 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots for the Minutemen, who ended the season with a 24-9 record.