Three Stars: UMass-St. Bonaventure

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. George Washington

No. 1 - Jesse Morgan - He's been overshadowed this year by Williams and Putney, but he's starting to raise his game to another level.

No. 2 - Chaz Williams - The sophomore point guard had another strong game.

No. 3 -Terrell Vinson - Thought about Esho here, but Vinson always seems to make a big play when the game gets tough for the Minutemen. His hook shot kicked off UMass' second second half run that put the game away. 

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 49
Terrell Vinson - 39
Raphiael Putney 29
Jesse Morgan 25
Sean Carter - 18

Freddie Riley - 16
Cady Lalanne -13
Javorn Farrell - 9
Maxie Esho -7
Sampson Carter -4

Three Stars: UMass- GW

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. George Washington

No. 1 - Terrell Vinson  - In every recent UMass win, Vinson has made a big play. On Saturday he made a lot of them.

No. 2 - Chaz Williams - The sophomore point guard's 35-foot 3-pointer highlighted another strong game.

No. 3 -Javorn Farrell/Freddie Riley - Both players offered their best efforts in a while giving the Minutemen a big lift off the bench.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 46
Terrell Vinson - 37
Raphiael Putney 29
Jesse Morgan 20
Sean Carter - 18

Freddie Riley - 16
Cady Lalanne -13
Javorn Farrell - 9
Maxie Esho -7
Sampson Carter -4

Three Stars: UMass- Richmond

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Richmond

No. 1 - Chaz Williams - After a rough one at Duquesne, Williams bounced back in strong fashion.

No. 2 - Jesse Morgan - He bounced back to lead the team in scoring

No. 3 -Maxie Esho/Sean Carter - Neither deserved to be left off this list after strong games by both players.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 40
Terrell Vinson - 30
Raphiael Putney 19
Jesse Morgan 17
Sean Carter - 16

Freddie Riley - 14
Cady Lalanne -13
Javorn Farrell - 7
Maxie Esho -7
Sampson Carter -4

Three Stars: UMass- St. Joe's

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Saint Joseph's

No. 1 - Chaz Williams - Another terrific game. He'll likely have a good shot at A-10 Player of the Week.

No. 2 - Raphiael Putney - He led the surge that erased UMass' early hole and added another memorable dunk to his resume.

No. 3 - Terrell Vinson/Sean Carter - Neither deserved to be left off this list after strong games by both players.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 35
Terrell Vinson - 30
Raphiael Putney 19
Jesse Morgan 14
Freddie Riley - 14
Cady Lalanne -13
Sean Carter - 9
Javorn Farrell - 7
Maxie Esho -5
Sampson Carter -4

Three Stars: UMass- CCSU

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. CCSU

No. 1 - Raphiael Putney - He looks like he's going to be a star at some point. That point might be getting closer.

No. 2 - Chaz Williams - Among his best games as a Minuteman.

No. 3 - Cady Lalanne - Losing him for any length of time would hurt.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 26
Terrell Vinson - 19
Freddie Riley - 14
Cady Lalanne -13
Raphiael Putney 10
Jesse Morgan 7
Javorn Farrell - 7
Sean Carter - 5
Maxie Esho -5
Sampson Carter -4

Three Stars: UMass- Davidson

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs.Davidson

In truth about seven different guys had performances worthy of consideration so this was a tough call. 

No. 1 - Jesse Morgan - Scored when UMass needed him to, but his steadying influence when Chaz Williams was in foul trouble was a huge lift.

No. 2 - Maxie Esho - His energy at both ends off the bench was a huge catalyst.

No. 3 - Sean Carter - Not easy to make this list with four points, but his defense was huge. It seemed like each of his four blocked shots came at big moments.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 23
Terrell Vinson - 19
Freddie Riley - 14
Cady Lalanne -11
Jesse Morgan 7
Javorn Farrell - 7
Raphiael Putney5
Sean Carter - 5
Maxie Esho -5
Sampson Carter -4

Three Stars: UMass- Quinnipiac

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Q

No. 1 - Terrell Vinson - When Vinson rebounds the way he did and utilized his midrange game, UMass is a much better team

No. 2 - Raphiael Putney - Another strong offense game. Two big free throws clinched the win.

No. 3 - Javorn Farrell  - I originally had WIlliams here, but Farrell had two huge momentum grabbing dives on loose balls including the late one that UMass might not have won without.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 23
Terrell Vinson - 19
Freddie Riley - 14
Cady Lalanne -11
Javorn Farrell - 7
Raphiael Putney5
Sampson Carter -4
Sean Carter - 3
Jesse Morgan 2
Maxie Esho - 2

Three Stars - Siena/ECU

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Apparently the Three Stars from ECU didn't post correctly, so this is a double:

Three Stars from UMass vs. Siena

No. 1 - Chaz Williams  - The point guard was good early, but unlucky. He wa terrific late.

No. 2 - Freddie Riley  - Junior's shooting got UMass back in the game.

No. 3 - Raphiael Putney - The sophomore's floater broke down Siena's zone and his breakaway dunk was ridiculous.

Three Stars from UMass vs. ECU

No. 1 - Terrell Vinson  - Not big scoring numbers, but he rebounded and the charge he took late was huge.

No. 2 - Freddie Riley  - Riley's first half was huge for giving UMass a big enough lead for the Minutemen to hold on in the second hald

No. 3 - Cady Lalanne - The freshman's defense on Darrius Morrow helped slow the Pirates' comeback. 

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 23
Terrell Vinson - 14
Freddie Riley - 14
Cady Lalanne -11
Javorn Farrell - 5
Sampson Carter -4
Sean Carter - 3
Jesse Morgan 2
Maxie Esho - 2
Raphiael Putney 2

Three Stars: UMass-Miami

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Miami

No. 1 - Chaz Williams - The sophomore point guard led the comeback.

No. 2 Sean Carter - He was very good for most of the night despite his tough final minutes.

No. 3 - Maxie Esho - This might seem like an odd choice, but his energy midway through the second half seemed to launch UMass' comeback.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 18
Terrell Vinson - 9
Cady Lalanne -9
Javorn Farrell - 5
Freddie Riley - 8
Sampson Carter -4
Sean Carter - 3
Jesse Morgan 2
Maxie Esho - 2

Three Stars: UMass- Towson

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Towson

Lots of good choices from this one.

No. 3 - Cady Lalanne - Not that Towson was going to win anyway, but Lalanne's defense on Robert Nwanko essentially finished them off. Add that to another strong offensive game.

No. 2 Freddie Riley - He had three 3-pointers, but it was a fake, followed by a baseline drive for a dunk that impressed me the most.

No. 3 - Jesse Morgan - A career-high nine assists and continued improved play at point guard is encouraging.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 13
Terrell Vinson - 9
Cady Lalanne -9
Javorn Farrell - 5
Freddie Riley - 8
Sampson Carter -4
Jesse Morgan 2

Three Stars: UMass- BC

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. BC

Lots of good choices from this one.

No. 1 Freddie Riley - Riley seemed to find his offense. His game has been far more complete this year. If his offense comes back, he'll be a force.

No. 2 - Chaz Williams - Led the Minutemen in scoring again, BC was overmatched.

No. 3 - Cady Lalanne - He showed glimpses of what looks like a pretty advanced offensive game.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 13
Terrell Vinson - 9
Javorn Farrell - 5
Freddie Riley - 5
Sampson Carter -4
Cady Lalanne -4

Three Stars: UMass- NJIT

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. NJIT

No. 1 Javorn Farrell - His best game of the season easily

No. 2 - Terrell Vinson - Another double-double.

No. 3 - Cady Lalanne - 14 boards is a sure bet to make this list.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 10
Terrell Vinson - 9
Javorn Farrell - 5
Sampson Carter -4
Cady Lalanne - 2

Three Stars: UMass- Northeastern

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Northeastern

No. 1 Chaz Williams - The Elon game wasn't a fluke.

No. 2 - Terrell Vinson - Is it me or does Vinson look more athletic this season?

No. 3 - Sampson Carter - There's no flash to his game, but he's been invaluable so far.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 10
Terrell Vinson - 6
Sampson Carter -4

Three Stars: UMass- Elon

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Elon

No. 1 Chaz  Williams - He was everything he was advertisd to be and a little more as he had six rebounds to go with his 18 points andeight assists.

No. 2 - Terrell Vinson  - His best game in two years.

No. 3 - Sampson Carter -Quietly very efficient with 17 points.

Season to date points:

Chaz Williams - 5
Terrell Vinson - 3
Sampson Carter - 2

Three Stars: UMass- Villanova

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Villanova

No. 1 Julian Talley - He's quietly having a terrific season with big numbers again in a bad loss.

No. 2 - Tyler Holmes - Holmes had a big day, didn't get enough help.

No. 3 - Matt Campbell -One carry. One touchdown. Wasn't his fault.

Season to date points:

Jonathan Hernandez - 18
Tyler Holmes -14
Julian Talley - 12

Darren Thellen - 10
Jesse Julmiste - 8
Emil Igwenagu-4
Kirk Nelms 3
Ed Saint Vil - 3
Kellen Pagel - 2
Matt Campbell -2
Strait/Pendagast - 2
Brandon Hill 1

Three Stars: UMass- UNH

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. UNH

No. 1 Julian Talley - For the second straight year he was terrific at Foxborough. UMass is going to miss him next year.

No. 2 - Tyler Holmes - Holmes had a big day, didn't get enough help.

No. 3 - ????? - Who else had a really good day with no black marks? Hernandez had a lot of yards, but a big fumble. Pagel had a decent day if not for a very damagin interceptions.

Season to date points:

Jonathan Hernandez - 18
Tyler Holmes -11
Darren Thellen - 10
Jesse Julmiste - 8
Julian Talley - 7
Emil Igwenagu-4
Kirk Nelms 3
Ed Saint Vil - 3
Kellen Pagel - 2
Strait/Pendagast - 2
Brandon Hill 1

Three Stars: UMass- Central Connecticut

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. CCSU

It was not easy picking three stars tonight. There's was no obvious No. 1 and at-least five worthy candidates.

No. 1 Darren Thellen - Two interceptions including one for a touchdown gave UMass' pass defense a badly needed lift.

No. 2 - Jesse Julmiste - His kickoff return for a touchdown was a huge momentum booster.

No. 3 - Tyler Holmes/Emil Igwenagu/Brandon Hill (I'm giving each one a point) - Holmes had 19 tackles including a big one to stop the would-be game-tying two point conversion. Igwenagu had four catches for 94 yards and a terrific touchdown and Hill was solid in his first real start.
Season to date points:

Jonathan Hernandez - 18
Jesse Julmiste - 8
Tyler Holmes -5
Emil Igwenagu-4
Kirk Nelms 3
Ed Saint Vil - 3
Kellen Pagel - 2
Julian Talley - 2
Brandon Hill 1

Three Stars: UMass- Old Dominion

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. ODU

No. 1 - Jonathan Hernandez - UMass has some problems. Running back isn't one of them.

No. 2 - Emil Igwenagu - The senior TE had 10 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.

No. 3 - Tyler Holmes - Senior captain had 12 tackles.

Season to date points:

Jonathan Hernandez - 18
Jesse Julmiste - 5
Tyler Holmes -4
Kirk Nelms 3
Ed Saint Vil - 3
Emil Igwenagu-3
Kellen Pagel - 2
Julian Talley - 2

Three Stars: UMass - BC

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Boston College

No. 1 - Jesse Julmiste - The senior return broke a 100 yard TD return as part of a 250 return yard day.

No. 2 - Jonathan Hernandez - The senior back kept taking hits and fighting for hard yards long after the result was no longer in doubt and earned a well-deserved TD.

No. 3 - Tyler Holmes - Senior captain had 10 tackles and a forced fumble.

Season to date points:

Jonathan Hernandez - 13
Jesse Julmiste - 5
Kirk Nelms 3
Ed Saint Vil - 3
Kellen Pagel - 2
Julian Talley - 2
Tyler Holmes - 2

Three Stars: UMass- URI

Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Rhode Island

No. 1 - Jonathan Hernandez - I'm continually impressed at how willing Hernandez is to take on contact and fight for yards despite his smaller stature.

No. 2 - Kirk Nelms - He turned a spot start into heroics. Two picks including one for a game-clinching touchdown.

No. 3 - Julian Talley - He had what could have been a key fumble, but it didn't cost UMass and otherwise he was terrific.

Season to date points:

Jonathan Hernandez - 10
Kirk Nelms 3
Ed Saint Vil - 3
Kellen Pagel - 2
Julian Talley - 2