PITTSBURGH - If it wasn't for Wednesday's 80-69 loss, Sean Carter would love playing at Duquesne.

The University of Massachusetts senior has shone in two career games in Pittsburgh.

In 2010, Carter had 11 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in an 84-80 overtime win by UMass. He had a put-back dunk late to seal that victory.

There were no heroics Wednesday, but Carter shone again with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Because of foul trouble to the rest of the roster, Carter played a career-high matching 38 minutes.

"Sean's been great and he does it without getting a lot of touches," UMass coach Derek Kellogg said. "He works his tail off in practice. He's on the front of the press. I've been more and more impressed with his presence."

TURNOVERS - While 29 turnovers were a season high, they've been a consistent ingredient in UMass losses. The Minutemen average 21.8 giveaways in defeats, compared to 14.4 in wins.

Opponents have averaged 23.2 points off of turnovers in UMass losses.

MATT HILL PLAYS - Senior Matt Hill, who'd been out with a sprained knee, played in just his third game of the season and his first since Nov. 30 against Towson. He played two minutes in the first half with the Minutemen in foul trouble.

NEXT UP - UMass was scheduled to fly back to Amherst after the game, but will be back on the road at Richmond at 5 p.m. Saturday.  The Spiders (11-8, 2-2 Atlantic 10) lost to George Washington Wednesday.

Junior guard Darius Brothers leads the Spiders with 14.8 points per game.

MISCELLANEOUS - Former UMass standout Will Herndon, who was noted for his dunks, was in attendance. Herndon didn't get to see the team's current noteworthy dunker, Raphiael Putney, slam one as foul trouble limited the sophomore to three points in 20 minutes. He did have eight rebounds and two blocks.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.