Monday, December 5 at LIU (7 p.m.)
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BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The UMass Lowell men's basketball team (8-1) continues a three-game road trip, as the squad heads to Brooklyn to take on LIU.
A WIN WOULD
A win against the Sharks would improve UMass Lowell's record to 9-1, continuing the program's best start since 2002-03. A win would extend the team's current streak to seven games, setting a new DI program record, as well.
LEADING THE FLOCK
Three River Hawks are averaging double-digit scoring, as
Abdoul Karim Coulibaly leads the way with 15.4 points per game, in addition to adding a team-best 9.9 rebounds per game. Right behind him,
Everette Hammond is averaging 12.3 points, while shooting 48% from the field.
Max Brooks adds 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and paces the team with 17 blocks.Â
Ayinde Hikim has been the primary playmaker so far with 39 assists on the year.
LAST TIME OUT
Everette Hammond and
Cam Morris III both recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds, as UMass Lowell took down Sacred Heart, 70-59. The first half proved to be a defensive battle, but the River Hawks opened the game on a 13-4 run to build the early lead. Both teams continued to exchange baskets, but UMass Lowell tallied seven straight and took a 27-17 lead heading into halftime. In the second half, both teams found their rhythm offensively. Still trailing by 10, the Pioneers went on a 14-2 run to take a 39-37 advantage, their frist lead of the day. However, the River Hawks didn't let up, and went on an 11-2 run of their own to regain a 50-42 lead. Although Sacred Heart continued to battle, the UMass Lowell lead proved to be insurmountable.
GOING STREAKING
By securing the victory against Sacred Heart, the River Hawks have now won six straight, tying the team's longest win streak at the DI level, which was set during the 2014-15 season. The River Hawks are also 5-0 at home, which is a program best at Division I since posting the same home start in 2018-19.
TWO-WAY PLAY
The River Hawks are proving to be more balanced than ever before, leading the America East on both ends of the floor in field goal percentage and field goal percentage defense.
RIM PROTECTION
The River Hawks are ranked second in the nation for rebounds per game right now.
Abdoul Karim Coulibaly ranks seventh in the country individually in offensive rebounds per game (4.00).
STEALING THE SHOW
The River Hawks have done a good job disrupting the opposition so far this year, averaging a DI program-best 8.7 steals per game.
Connor Withers leads the team with 15 takaways, including three in the win against Merrimack on Nov. 30.
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 nine 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 nine games.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Defense has been a huge point of emphasis for the program again this year. The team is currently 14th 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 six out of nine games so far, as well. The team is averaging 50.5% from the field to rank 14th in the nation.
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