COL BKB: Massachusetts 80, Northern Illinois 54

AMHERST, Mass., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Cady Lalanne put in 17 points Saturday and No. 20 Massachusetts extended its best start in 18 years with an 80-54 romp over Northern Illinois.

Clyde Santee and Raphiael Putney each added 13 points for the Minutemen (9-0), who are off to their best start since the 1995-96 team began the season with 26 straight wins.

That squad reached the Final Four but its appearance was vacated due to NCAA penalties.

UMass overcame a slow start to the second half en route to victory, in which it led led nearly the entire way.

The Huskies (3-5) were paced by Dontel Highsmith with 10 points.