UMass Edges Boston College 76-74 in Thriller

In Springfield, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Minutemen men's basketball team edged out the Boston College Eagles 76-74 on Wednesday night in the Hall of Fame Classic at the MassMutual Center, securing a thrilling victory in a game marked by late-game drama and resilient play from both sides.

The Minutemen, now 7-3, overcame a second-half rally by the Eagles to claim their first win over Boston College in 11 years. Marcus Banks Jr. led the charge with a game-high 29 points, including six 3-pointers on 10-of-17 shooting. With 5.1 seconds remaining, Banks sank two crucial free throws after being fouled on a drive, giving UMass a 76-74 lead. Boston College, holding a 5-6 record, had one final chance when Chase Forte launched a contested 3-pointer from near midcourt at the buzzer, but the shot rimmed out, sealing the Minutemen's triumph.

The game showcased a back-and-forth battle plagued by foul trouble, turnovers and technical fouls. UMass jumped to an early 14-6 lead in the first half after hitting six of 14 shots while Boston College managed just two of 16 following an initial 3-pointer by Fred Payne. The Minutemen maintained control for most of the half, leading...