Saturday, February 19 vs. Binghamton (ESPN3 - 5 p.m.)
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LOWELL, Mass. - The UMass Lowell men's basketball team look to keep their strong play in the Tsongas Center going on Saturday when they host Binghamton.
A WIN WOULD
A win would split the season series against the Bearcats. It would also give the River Hawks a perfect, 3-0 record so far in Tsongas games and mark their third straight home victory.
LEADING THE FLOCK
Allin Blunt is averaging 11.0 points per game to pace the squad.
Max Brooks, who adds 10.4 points, boasts a team-best 5.8 rebounds per game and 54 blocks. Ayinde HIkim adds 60 assists, while
Everette Hammond totals 32 steals.
LAST TIME OUT
Allin Blunt recorded a game-high 12 points in a 59-55 setback for UMass Lowell at NJIT on Feb. 16. The Highlanders limited the River Hawks to just two three-pointers to hold the lead for the last 35 minutes of the night. Blunt was joined in double figures by
Max Brooks and
Ayinde Hikim.
Quinton Mincey finished with eight rebounds, as well.
SHARP SHOOTERS
The River Hawks, who have ranked in the top two in the America East in shooting percentage for the previous three years, shot a season-high 64.4% (38-59) from the field against UMBC on Feb. 12. The team has shot over 50% in three of its last four outings and is currently third in the league with a 44.7% clip.
Max Brooks is pacing the conference, shooting 64.2% from the field.
THREAT ON THREES
The River Hawks' shooting has ignited from long range as of late, averaging 49.0% (25-51) from beyond the arc during the three game stretch from Feb. 2-7.
CLEANING THE GLASS
UMass Lowell logged a season-high 17 offensive boards against Hartford on Feb. 7. The team has been strong on the offensive glass all season, leading the America East in offensive rebounds per game (11.3).
COMING ON STRONG
Allin Blunt, who logged his 100th career game at UMBC on Jan. 8, is playing some of his best basketball in his senior season. The forward, who logged the first 20-point games of his career against Maine and UAlbany, averaged 16.3 points in the seven outings between Jan. 19-Feb. 9.
TURNING UP THE PRESSURE
The River Hawks are doing a good job forcing the ball out of their opponents' hands this season. The team is currently second in the league in turnover margin (+1.9) and first in steals per game (7.6).
PLAYING AT TSONGAS
The River Hawks played Sacred Heart in their first game at Tsongas in 660 days. With the win against UMBC on Feb. 12, the team is now 15-25 all time in Tsongas.
HALL OF FAME PERFORMANCE
John Hall shot an impressive 81.8% (9-11) from the floor at Stony Brook on Feb. 9 to lead five double-digit scorers for the River Hawks. He set a new personal best with nine field goals en route to a season-high 20 points. Â
ON HIS BLOCK
Max Brooks set a new, all-time program record with 10 blocks at UAlbany on Jan. 12. He leads the conference and is 27th in the country with 2.39 blocks per game.
DEFENSE WINS GAMES
This year, Coach Duquette has made defense a huge point of emphasis for his program, which typically leads the America East in several offensive categories. So far, the River Hawks are first in the league and 52nd in the nation in FG% defense. The team held Fisher to an all-time program-low 38 points on Nov. 27.
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