Nov. 13, 2011

Box Score

Sophomore G Akeem Williams (Brockton, Mass.) scored a game-high 18 points and senior G Robbie Walton (South Boston, Mass.) chipped in 11 as UMass Lowell defeated Post University, 60-50, Sunday afternoon in the second round of the University of Bridgeport Purple Knight Classic at the Hubbell Gymnasium.

With the win, UMass Lowell improved to 2-0 and opens its Northeast-10 Conference schedule Wednesday (7:30) at Bentley, and opens at home Saturday against Philadelphia University (1:00).

Post slipped to 0-2.

Led by Williams and Walton, UMass Lowell shot .556 from the floor (25-45), including .632 in the second half (12-19) while Post shot .409 overall (18-44) and .429 in the latter half (12-28).

“I have to give Post credit, they controlled the tempo of the game, but our defense was great throughout and our press was the difference,” said head coach Greg Herenda.

Williams converted 7 of 10 field goals while Walton shot 5 for 7 from the floor, grabbed seven rebounds and dished four assists. Sophomore F Antonio Bivins (Miami, Fla.) and senior G Dipanjot Singh (Evanston, Ill.) each chipped in nine points on 4-7 FG shooting.

“It’s great to see that we can win on the road and get so many contributions from so many of our guys,” said Herenda.

The River Hawks had their way in the paint, outscoring Post 36-14; and on the fast break to the tune of 14-2. The advantages somewhat eased their 25 turnovers, opposed to Post’s 19.

The game was in stark contrast to Saturday’s clash, in which UMass Lowell outlasted Bridgeport, 108-105. “Both games were hard-fought and I am, again, really proud of my team,” Herenda noted.

Junior G Jake Wilcox and sophomore G Zach Krischer each scored 13 points to lead the Eagles.

UMass Lowell led 30-17 at the break and never allowed the Eagles within eight points in the second half.