SPRINGFIELD — The Saints could not hold off sophomore Chaz Williams late – who scored 20 of his 22 points in the second half – helping the Minutemen prevail over the Saints 82-78 at the MassMutual Center on Friday night.

Kyle Downey cut the UMass lead to two with a three pointer with just under four seconds left. After a timeout, UMass’ Williams caught an inbounds pass with 1.8 seconds slipped to the ground, caught the ball but managed to call a timeout. On the ensuing inbounds, Williams was fouled with 0.6 left and iced the game with two free throws.

Down 78-75 late, Freshman Evan Hymes went to the lane for a layup but was blocked by senior Sean Carter which forced the Saints to foul.

The Hofstra transfer Williams made a three point play to give UMass a 72-70 lead with 3:05 left. Williams converted a layup on a drive with 59.0 seconds left to give UMass a 76-72 lead. Kyle Downey made a two pointer with 53.8 left to cut the lead to 76-74.

Siena played for the stop and got one with an Anosike steal at half court but was fouled by Williams from behind with 25.3 left. Anosike made one of his two free throws to cut the UMass lead to 76-75.

Chaz Williams made a three point play with 3:05 left to give UMass a 72-70 lead after tying the game  with baskets from Raphiael Putney to tie it at 67 with 5:36 left and at 69 with another basket.

UMass went on a charge in the second half, Cady Lalane made a basket got a foul and converted a free throw to cut Siena’s lead to 54-52 and Freddie Riley made a three with 12:12 left to give UMass a 55-54 lead. Riley led UMass with 6 three pointers on 11 tries.

After being held to a shot clock violation to start the second half, Siena expanded on their 41-35 halftime lead with three pointers from Owen Wignot and Kyle Downey to take a 49-41 lead.

The Saints led by six at the break, making a living inside and adapting well to the UMass Minutemen’s up-tempo style. Davonte Beard and Owen Wignot made back to back three pointers, Siena’s only threes of the first half, while the Saints made a living making 14 of 25 (56%) from two point range.