Wednesday, November 30 vs. Merrimack (6 p.m.)
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LOWELL, Mass. - The UMass Lowell men's basketball team (6-1) finishes up its November schedule on Wednesday with a home matchup against Merrimack.
A WIN WOULD
A win against the Warriors would improve UMass Lowell's record to 7-1, marking the program's best start since 2005-06. It would also mark the second straight win for the River Hawks in the series against Merrimack.
LEADING THE FLOCK
Two River Hawks are averaging double-digit scoring, as Abdoul Karim Coulibaly leads the way with 15.7 points per game, in addition to adding a team-best 9.8 rebounds per game. Right behind him, Everette Hammond is averaging 11.1 points while shooting 51% from the field. Ayinde Hikim has been the primary playmaker so far with 32 assists on the year, while Max Brooks boasts 14 blocks.
LAST TIME OUT
Quinton Mincey logged a team-high 15 points, as UMass Lowell continued its hot start with a 73-59 victory against Stonehill on Nov. 27. Rebounding was key in the outing, taking a 50-29 advantage on the boards, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to 21 second-chance points. Mincey, who added eight rebounds, was one of five double-digit scorers for the River Hawks in the contest. Abdoul Karim Coulibaly followed with 14 points, as well as a game-high 14 rebounds, for his third double-double this year. Yuri Covington sank three threes en route to 11 points, while Everette Hammond and Max Brooks each added 10 points.
GOING STREAKING
By securing the victory against Stonehill, the River Hawks have now won four straight, marking the team's longest win streak since 2018-19. The DI program record currently sits at six straight wins during the 2014-15 season. The win also moved the River Hawks to 4-0 at home, which is the best since starting 5-0 at home in 2018-19.
RIM PROTECTION
The River Hawks are ranked second in the nation for total rebounds right now. Abdoul Karim Coulibaly ranks 10th in the country individually in offensive rebounds per game (4.17).
SHARING IS CARING
Coach Duquette has said this is his deepest and most talented team yet. The River Hawks have boasted at least eight scorers in each of their first seven games, including 11 against Emerson. In the contests against Fisher and Emerson, the team totaled six, double-digit scorers for the first time since 2017-18 (at Maine, 1/31/18). At least four River Hawks have scored in double figures in five of the seven games.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Defense has been a huge point of emphasis for the program again this year. The team is currently 15th in the nation for field goal percentage defense and leads the America East in blocks per game.
SHARP SHOOTERS
The River Hawks, who shot a season-high 63.5% from the field in the win against Emerson, have outshot their opponents in every game this year. The team surpassed 50% shooting in five out of seven games so far, as well. The team is averaging 51.8% from the field to rank ninth in the nation.
LATE GAME ANTICS
In each of their first seven 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, 344-205, 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 five of their seven contests. Yuri Covington has drained a team-best 11 threes in 2022-23.
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