MHERST, Mass. - The UMass men's basketball team held its Maroon & White scrimmage before about 500 fans at the Curry Hicks Cage on Saturday afternoon. The White team defeated the Maroon squad 77-72. Leading the way for the White was Brandon Thomas who had 22 points. Rashaun Freeman had 18 points and nine rebounds while Maurice Maxwell added 16 for White.

The Maroon team was led by Gary Forbes, who had 17 while Etienne Brower posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

"Overall it was a good event," said coach Travis Ford. "We still have a way to go in terms of the system being in place. I would say we are about one-fourth the way to having things in place. I was happy with our shooting on Saturday, but I was not happy with all the turnovers. We will continue to work on all areas of our game as we prepare for our season opener against Hartford on Nov. 18."

Other players who had strong games were Jeff Viggiano, playing for White, had 10 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Art Bowers added nine points for White.

Point guard Chris Lowe played for Maroon and had eight points and three assists. Lawence Carrier scored 10 for the Maroon and grabbed nine rebounds.

UMass takes on Dowling in a preseason game on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Mullins Center before that Hartford game on Nov. 18 also at 7 p.m. at the Mullins Center. For tickets please call 1-866-UMASS-TIX.

MHERST - University of Massachusetts fans at Saturday's maroon-and-white men's basketball scrimmage saw strong performances by Etienne Brower (who is not eligible this season) and Brandon Thomas and Chris Lowe (who are eligible).

Thomas led all scorers with 22 points, going 9-for-12 from the floor. He had three steals and one highlight-reel blocked shot into the stands on Drew Rossi.

''Brandon Thomas played well. He made some nice moves and played well on the break, but he needs to rebound the ball and play better defense,'' said UMass coach Travis Ford, who has experimented with Thomas at every position but center. Ford plans to use Thomas at shooting guard and small forward.

Brower, who will sit out this season after transferring from Boston University, added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Ford said he could play multiple positions as well.

''He's a big-time basketball player. He can do everything. He's what we need,'' Ford said. ''He knows the offense. He's very smart. He can play inside and outside. He's a backbone because you know he's going to do that right thing. He's a special player. He came in as one of the most unheralded guys, but if you have 10 Etienne Browers, you'd win 20 games.''

Lowe showed off some impressive quickness and passing even though his jumper was a little off. He finished with 10 points split between the two teams, with three assists, four turnovers and four steals.

''I thought Chris Lowe did a better job and is getting better every day,'' Ford said.

Artie Bowers and Maurice Maxwell also spent time at point guard. Rashaun Freeman had 18 points and nine rebounds playing against a double team throughout.

Ford said the team still has considerable work to do offensively.

''We shot the ball better than we have been shooting. But we're still not scoring out of our offense the way I would like,'' Ford said. ''When we're in a half-court offense, we're not executing very well at all. It's them trying to understand a system that's probably more difficult and totally different than what they're used to. We're got a bunch of guys who have never played together trying to figure each other out. So it's nothing I'm overly concerned about right now.''

MINOR INJURIES - Stephane Lasme (right) and Dante Milligan (left) both missed the scrimmage with hand injuries. Ford said neither is serious.

''They probably could have played, but we only have nine scholarship players so I want everyone to be healthy,'' Ford said. ''I'm trying not to take any chances.''

Thomas left late with a leg cramp.

MISCELLANEOUS - Ford has a year to decide for sure, but he's planning to use Virginia transfer Gary Forbes, on the perimeter.

The five-foul disqualification rule was suspended for the game, which helped Jeff Viggiano, who had an odd-looking seven next to his name in the foul column.

Matt Vautour can be reached at [email protected]. For more UMass coverage including a frequently updated UMass sports blog, go to www.dailyhampshiregazette.com/umsports.