Sunday, November 27 vs. Stonehill (1 p.m.)
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LOWELL, Mass. - The UMass Lowell men's basketball team (5-1) returns from the Thanksgiving break with a Sunday matchup against Stonehill.
A WIN WOULD
A win against the Skyhawks would give the River Hawks the all-time adavantage, 7-6. It would also improve UMass Lowell's record to 6-1, marking the best start 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 16.0 points per game, in addition to adding a team-best nine rebounds per game. Right behind him, Everette Hammond is averaging 11.3 points while shooting 54% from the field. Rounding out the double-digit scorers is Ayinde Hikim who is averaging 11 points alongside 4.5 assists.
LAST TIME OUT
Abdoul Karim Coulibaly led the River Hawks, tying his career-high with 18 points. Everette Hammond tallied 12 points while adding in a team-high nine rebounds. Rounding out the double-digit scorers was Max Brooks, who also tallied three blocks and two steals. Trailing by seven at the half, the River Hawks started the closing period with six straight points to pull within one. After back-to-back baskets from Brown, UMass Lowell rallied, stringing off nine straight points to own their first lead of the half. The River Hawks were able to break away, taking a double-digit lead, and although the Bears battled back to as close as six in the final minutes, UMass Lowell was able to hold on for the victory.
1000 POINT CLUB
By converting on back-to-back three pointers in the second half against Emerson, graduate student Mikey Watkins joined the coveted 1000 point scoring club after entering the contest with 966 points.
HIGH SCORING AFFAIRS
So far this season, the River Hawks have scored at least 89 points in all but two of their games. The team is averaging 88.3 points per game to rank 12th in the nation.
SHARP SHOOTERS
The River Hawks, who shot a season-high 63.5% from the field in the win against Emerson, have surpassed 50% shooting in five out of six games. The team is averaging 53.2% so far to rank seventh in the nation.
LATE GAME ANTICS
In each of their first six 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, 308-177, in the closing half.
FROM DOWNTOWN
After having a tough year beyond the arc last season and only shooting 30% on 3FGs, the River Hawks have been strong with the long ball so far this year. The team is currently shooting 40% from long range, including at least eight threes in four of their six contests.
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 logged a double-double in the team's first five games. 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 has added two double-doubles, at Rutgers and against Emerson, while 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 29th 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 21st in the nation for field goal percentage defense and ninth in total rebounds. Abdoul Karim Coulibaly ranks 11th in the country individually in offensive rebounds (20).
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