Box Score
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CANTONSVILLE, Md. – Freshman Matt Harris (Erie, Pa.) recorded a personal-best 17 points to pace the UMass Lowell men's basketball team (8-7, 2-0) in a thrilling, 73-61 overtime victory at America East Conference opponent UMBC (2-12, 0-1) on Wednesday.
 
"This is another quality road win for us and I'm really happy for our guys," said Head Coach Pat Duquette. "We just put the zone in over the last couple of weeks and they've done a great job understanding it. Tonight was the first time we played it in a game, and I thought that changed the whole rhythm and allowed us to get back in it with five minutes left. I'm pleased with our guys who came off the bench tonight. They were ready when we needed them and they helped us win this game."
 
Harris led three double-digit scorers off the bench. Sophomore Tyler Livingston (Hudson, N.H.) added 15 points, while freshman Brad Schaub (Marlette, Mich.) posted a season-high 13 points, as well. The River Hawks' reserves outscored the Retrievers', 51-1, in the outing.
 
The teams traded baskets for much of the second half with eight lead changes in a seven-minute span before UMBC put together a 12-5 spurt to pull away 60-54 with 3:29 left to go. A jumper by Harris gave the momentum to UMass Lowell, and Thomas sunk four free throws to tie the score once more, this time at 60-60, forcing overtime.
 
UMBC's drought from the floor continued into the extra period, as the Retrievers did not record a field goal in the final 11 minutes of play and were outscored, 19-1. Freshman Lance Crawford (Davie, Fla.) and Schaub took advantage, combining for five points in the first three minutes of overtime to give the River Hawks some breathing room. UMass Lowell, who shot 90% (18-20) from the line in the contest, went 8-for-8 on free throws in the final minutes to seal the 73-61 victory.
 
The Retrievers took an early 9-2 lead to start the game, with the River Hawks' first points coming off of a pull-up jumper by graduate student Marco Banegas-Flores (Boston, Mass.). Senior Chad Holley (New York, N.Y.) hit a three-pointer, but the home squad maintained at least a two-possession margin until Harris drove to the basket for a layup, making the score 13-11 with 12:28 remaining in the first half.
 
Schaub completed a three-point play to give UMass Lowell its first lead of the night at 16-15 with just under nine minutes to go in the period. The advantage was short-lived, though, as the Retrievers would score three consecutive baskets to regain the upper hand, 27-21, at 5:04.
 
Livingston made it a one-point game at 4:15, and after the River Hawks cut the difference back to one twice more, Schaub and Banegas-Flores knocked down back-to-back threes, putting the visitors on top, 36-34, at the break.
 
The Retrievers outscored the River Hawks 6-3 coming out of halftime to pull in front, 40-39, at 15:11 before several lead changes ensued.
 
Harris and Schaub logged season bests of five field goals apiece. Harris also set a personal best mark with four assists.
 
Cody Joyce turned in a double-double effort with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Retrievers. Wayne Sparrow notched 14 points, as well.
 
Wednesday's contest marked the third game ever between UMass Lowell and UMBC in the sport of men's basketball. The River Hawks now lead the all-time series, 3-0. UMass Lowell returns home to host the University of Albany on Saturday, January 10 in its only home game during the current six-game stretch. Tipoff for that contest is slated for 2 p.m.