UMass women’s basketball narrowly defeats Central Michigan (photos)

Key Highlights

• Megan Olbrys and Allie Palmieri each chipped in 11 points, while Lilly Ferguson snagged 11 rebounds (eight offensive). As a unit, the Minutewomen grabbed 41 rebounds, 19 assists, and four blocks. Breaking Down The Action Following a rejection from Chinenye Odenigbo on the defensive end, Olbrys netted the first points for the Minutewomen, backing down her opponent inside and finishing with her right to make the game 2-0 with 9:47 left in the first.
• Franks hit a pull-up jumper from the left free throw line extended, putting UMass up 6-3 with 6:09 to go in the first.
• Franks found the bottom of the net from the right wing, putting Massachusetts up 16-7 with 1:12 left in the first quarter.
• Franks hit her second consecutive triple to push the Minutewomen’s lead to double figures, 19-7, as well as put her at 10 points on the afternoon with 9:40 remaining in the half.
• Aiyanna Perkins turned strong defense into instant offense, picking off a pass and hitting Odenigbo in the paint for the easy layup, giving the Minutewomen a 25-8 lead with 7:18 remaining in the half.