November 9 vs. Rivier (ESPN3 - 7 p.m.)
Live Stats | Watch Live | Game Notes

LOWELL, Mass. - On the heels of its most successful season ever at the Division I level, the UMass Lowell men's basketball team returns to action in 2021-22 looking to continue the momentum. The River Hawks will open the new campaign against Rivier at Costello Athletic Center on Tuesday evening.
 
"This time of year is real exciting, the start of the season," said Head Coach Pat Duquette. "We're excited to play a full schedule of both non-conference and conference games, and to do it in front of not just fans, but family."
 
The River Hawks finished last season with a record of 11-12, including a string of upsets in the America East Playoffs. The team knocked off top-seeded UMBC on the road to earn a spot in the league's title game as the No. 6 seed for the first time ever.
 
"Going to the championship game is something to build on. Now that we've been there, we want to get back. We want to win that next game and realize all these kids' dreams and play in the NCAA Tournament."
 
Overall, UMass Lowell finished second in the conference with a field goal percentage of 45.2%, and first in the conference with a three-point field goal percentage of 34.6%. 
 
The top returning performer for the River Hawks is junior Connor Withers, who averaged 11.4 points per game on 44.1% field goal shooting. Alongside his shooting, Withers added a team-best 6.1 rebounds per game.
 
"I think there's going to be a lot of guys that can provide leadership. Allin Blunt, Kalil Thomas, Connor Withers, we'll rely on all those guys, but it won't fall just on their shoulders. I think we have enough guys across the board that know how to do it the right way and can provide us with leadership."
 
UMass Lowell welcomes six new members to the team. Lone freshman Ephraim Acquah (Hagerstown, Md.), graduate students Justin Faison (Prince George's County, Md.) and John Hall (Philadelphia, Pa.), and transfers Ayinde Hikim (Washington, D.C.), Everette Hammond (Silver Spring, Md.) and Quinton Mincey (Upper Marlboro, Md.) all look to make an immediate impact.
 
"I think we have as talented and deep a team as we've ever had. We were able to get some graduate transfers, so kids who are a little bit older to help offset the loss of our seniors. Once they get to learn our system and get to know their teammates, I think they will be able to offer plenty of leadership."
 
The River Hawks have 31 games on the schedule this year, including 14 at home. The longest road stretch starts November 13 at Dayton and spans five games, ending November 24 at Massachusetts.
 
"We're going to keep emphasizing defense," concluded the veteran coach. "We know that's the area for greatest improvement."

 

Related Videos

Now Playing:

• Play Video