Although the University of Massachusetts lost to Temple University, 76-65, in the Atlantic 10 conference finals Saturday evening, V.I. native Kitwana Rhymer once again showcased his ability on national television as he led the Minutemen with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Rhymer helped UMass gain its first lead by sinking two free throws at the start of the second half, 33-32. He later nailed a jump shot that gave his team their biggest lead, 41-36.
The Minutemen ended with a 15-15 record and were disappointed to be passed over in Sunday night's picks for the postseason NIT tournament.
The 6-foot 10-inch, 240-pound senior center averaged 9.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks this season. He was named the Atlantic 10's Defensive Player of the Year and shared the most improved player of the year award with teammate Micah Brand.
Rhymer led the conference in total blocks this season with 63. He had a 50 percent field goal average and 69 percent in free throws.
Slowed by an early season ankle injury, Rhymer performed well down the stretch. He was a dominating force for the Minutemen in the A10 tournament where he averaged 13.7 points and 11.7 rebounds.
Rhymer had a breakout game on national television on Feb. 20 in leading UMass to victory over the University of Rhode Island, 82-67. He scored a season-high 30 points and added five blocks.
Rhymer has one year of NCAA eligibility left because he was red shirted in his freshman year. The sociology major will graduate in May.
Rhymer left St. Thomas after his elementary years and lived in New York with his older brother, Vernon Turnbull Jr., where he attended St. Raymond's High School. He is the son of Leslie Rhymer of St. Croix and Joycelin Hendricks of St. Thomas.
Rhymer also starred with the Virgin Islands Junior Basketball Team in 1997. The team went on to capture gold at the World Youth Basketball Game in Milwaukee.
