Saturday, November 19 vs. Emerson (5 p.m.)
Live Stats | Watch Live
LOWELL, Mass. - The UMass Lowell men's basketball team will wrap up a Saturday doubleheader at Costello Athletic Center against Emerson College.
A WIN WOULD
A win against the Lions would give the River Hawks a 1-0 advantage in the all-time series. It would also keep UMass Lowell undefeated at home so far this year and improve the team's overall record to 4-1 for just the third time in the program's Division I history.
LEADING THE FLOCK
Three River Hawks are averaging double-digit scoring, as Abdoul Karim Coulibaly leads the way with 15.5 points per game, while adding a team-best 9.5 rebounds per game. Right behind him, Everette Hammond is averaging 13 points, including a season-high 23 against Fisher. Rounding out the double digit scorers is Ayinde Hikim, who is averaging 12.3 points with 5 assists per game.
LAST TIME OUT
Ayinde Hikim recorded his first career double-double with 18 points and 11 assists, as UMass Lowell took down Sacred Heart, 90-81, on Nov. 16. After building a 10 point lead early in the first half, Quinton Mincey buried eight straight points to push the River Hawks to a 16 point lead. The Pioneers continued to battle, eventually knotting the game up at 53 in the second half, but UMass Lowell pulled away in the final 10 minutes. Hikim also led the River Hawks on the boards with eight rebounds. Abdoul Karim Coulibaly added 16 points, while
Allin Blunt finished with 15 and seven rebounds. Rounding out double-digit were Everette Hammond and Mincey, who totaled 13 and 10 points, respectively.
HIGH SCORING AFFAIRS
So far this season, the River Hawks have scored at least 89 points in all but one of their games. The team is averaging 87.3 points per game to rank 35th in the nation.
SHARP SHOOTERS
The River Hawks, who shot a season-high 57.4% from the field in the win at Columbia, have surpassed 50% shooting in three out of four games. The team is averaging 50.5% so far to rank 48th in the nation.
RAMPING UP
In each of their first four games, the River Hawks have outscored their opponents in the second half, including posting a 59-18 advantage against Fisher in the season opener. In total, UMass Lowell is besting their opponents, 203-138, in the closing half.
HELPING HANDS
With his 11 assists against Sacred Heart, Ayinde Hikim set a new Division I program record after
Ryan Jones first logged 10 in 2018 vs. NJIT.
DOUBLING UP
At least one River Hawk has logged a double-double in each of the team's games so far. First, Abdoul Karim Coulibaly logged his first two collegiate double-doubles in as many games to begin his career with the River Hawks against Fisher and Columbia. Max Brooks then added the sixth double-double of his career at Rutgers before Ayinde Hikim posted his first against Sacred Heart.
BIG MAN, BIG NUMBERS
With his performances against Fisher and Columbia, Abdoul Karim Coulibaly became the first River Hawk to record consecutive double-doubles since 2019 (
Christian Lutete, 2/5/19-2/13/19, 3). He now sits seventh in the nation in double-doubles (2).
DEFENSE WINS GAMES
Coach Duquette has made defense a huge point of emphasis for his program again this year. The team is currently 26th in the nation for field goal percentage defense and 11th in total rebounds. Abdoul Karim Coulibaly ranks seventh in the country individually in total rebounds (38).
SHARING IS CARING
The River Hawks have boasted at least eight scorers in each of their first four games, including 10 in each of the first two outings. In the contest against Fisher, the team totaled six, double-digit scorers for the first time since 2017-18 (at Maine, 1/31/18).
Â
