LOWELL, Mass. -- Despite a career-high 17 points from Kharis Idom (Orlando, Fla.), the UMass Lowell's basketball team suffered a 66-44 defeat to Hartford in America East action on Saturday afternoon. 

The freshman netted 12 points in the second half and connected on five three-pointers, tying the most by an UMass Lowell player in a single game this season. Katherine Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind.) added 15 points in the effort, as well. Bri Stiers (Denver, Colo.) grabbed nine rebounds, and Ren'Cia Rolling (Lansing, lll.) dished out six assists for the River Hawks (6-13, 2-4). 

"Hartford's pretty good and there is a clear separation between the top of our league and the bottom," commented Head Coach Tom Garrick. "We know where we have to go now, we have seen it and we know what level were are playing at and how our lack of execution can bite us. It is good to see how we can evaluate and get better as coaches and players."

Idom's first three helped the hosts cut into a 7-2 deficit, but the Hawks (12-7, 5-0) extended the lead to 15-5 with 4:30 left in the first quarter. Hartford took a 42-20 advantage into the halftime break, behind 14 of Lindsey Abed's 23 points. Smith led UMass Lowell with nine points at the break, including going 3-of-3 from the free throw line.

UMass Lowell welcomes Binghamton to the Tsongas Center on January 23 for the program's fifth annual Health and Fitness Field Trip Day game. Tip is set for 11 a.m.