WASHINGTON -- Terrell Vinson matched his career high with 21 points and Massachusetts won its 11th game in 14 tries by defeating George Washington 86-75 on Saturday night.

The Minutemen avoided their first losing streak of the season, bouncing back from an overtime loss at Rhode Island.

Chaz Williams scored 15 points and Freddie Riley added 12 for Massachusetts (17-6, 6-3 Atlantic 10 Conference), which is just a half game behind conference leader Temple. The Minutemen shot a season-best 55.4 percent from the field (31 of 56).

Tony Taylor (26 points) and Dwayne Smith (16) scored season highs for the Colonials (8-15, 3-6), who lost their fourth consecutive game and second straight home conference game.

The Minutemen used six 3-pointers to lead 40-33 lead at halftime. Then they got their transition game working, creating turnovers that led to a handful of rim-rattling dunks to hold off several George Washington spurts.