Thomas has 40 points, UMass Lowell runs past New Hampshire

Feb 27, 2018, 09:12 pm

DURHAM, N.H. -- Jahad Thomas drained 15 field goals to score a career-high 40 points and lead UMass Lowell to its third straight win, 92-77 over New Hampshire on Tuesday night to conclude the regular-season schedule.

The River Hawks (12-17, 6-10) secured a slot in their first American East Conference Tournament with a win over Maine on Wednesday. They are seeded eighth and will face off against No. 2 seed UMBC in the quarterfinals on Saturday. New Hampshire (10-20, 6-10) has the No. 6 seed and will face Hartford.

Thomas missed just six attempts from the floor while making 9 of 10 free-throw attempts. Ryan Jones added 18 points, drilling 4 of 5 from distance and Rinardo Perry and Connor Bennett added 11 points apiece.

Jones nailed a 3-pointer to open the second half and Thomas followed with a jumper and layup as UMass Lowell opened the second period on a 23-9 run to go up 70-58 at the 11:01 mark following Bennett's 3-point play.

Tanner Leissner led New Hampshire with 18 points. Iba Camara had 10 points to go with 10 rebounds.