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KEVIN GUTTING

University of Massachusetts senior guard Sakera Young, left, protects the ball against Saint Louis defenders including Alisha Goodwin, right, in the Minutewomen's 70-67 loss Saturday at the Mullins Center.

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AP Photo

Xavier forward C.J. Anderson, right, looks to shoot against Luke Bonner of the University of Massachusetts Saturday in Cincinnati. Anderson scored 19 points in Xavier's 82-80 win.

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KEVIN GUTTING

Standing her ground

The University of Massachusetts women's basketball team could not overcome a strong first half by Saint Louis as its rally fell short in a 70-67 loss Saturday afternoon at the Mullins Center.

The Billikens (10-11, 4-2 Atlantic 10) led by 17 points with 1½ minutes to play in the first half. The Minutewomen (8-13, 1-5 Atlantic 10) scored the final seven points of the half to cut their deficit to 34-25.

UMass got within 45-44 in the second half, but Kim Benton missed a 3-poitner with two seconds left in the Minutewomen's final chance to tie the game.

Stefanie Gerardot led UMass with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.

Teya Wright added 12 points, six rebounds and two steals for the Minutewomen, and Sakera Youing contributed 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.

The Minutewomen are at Rhode Island at 7 p.m. Tuesday.