NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — UMass Lowell begins a two-game road swing this week, traveling to Iona on Wednesday before heading to New Haven on Saturday.
A Win Would...
• Give the River Hawks their second road victory of the season.
• Mark the program's second win over Iona.
• Provide momentum heading into Saturday's matchup at New Haven.
Last Time Out
UMass Lowell enters the week at 3-4 following an 82-36 home win over Maine Fort Kent on Sunday. Four River Hawks scored in double figures, led by senior guard Jaini Edmonds' 18 points and junior guard Paris Gilmore's all-around performance with 14 points, five assists, and four steals. Sophomore forward Klimentina Modeva added her first career double-double off the bench with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Scouting the Opponent
Iona enters Wednesday's matchup at 5-2 after opening the season with wins over Wagner, New Haven, and Mercy. The Gaels are holding opponents to under 60 points per game and are shooting just over 30 percent from the field.
New Haven comes into the weekend at 2-4 following victories over Bard College and Purchase College. The Chargers are averaging 65 points per game and have connected on 35 threes across their first six outings. Saturday will be New Haven's third home game in its last four.
NOTEBOOK: WHAT TO KNOW THIS WEEK
Early Identity
UMass Lowell closed November on a high note with an 82–36 win over Maine Fort Kent, its largest scoring margin (+46) of the season. The River Hawks have now won two of their last three and turned in their most efficient offensive outing of the year behind 32 made field goals and 82 total points.
Rebound Output Back on Track
The River Hawks posted a season-high 57 rebounds against UMFK, raising their season average to 37.4 per game — the top mark in the America East entering the week. Lowell also ranks No. 3 in both offensive rebounds (12.1 per game) and defensive rebounds (25.3 per game) after grabbing 23 offensive boards in the UMFK win.
500-Point Milestone
Jaini Edmonds became the newest River Hawk to hit the 500-point plateau, reaching the milestone during her 18-point performance against UMFK. She now sits at 511 career points, delivering her highest scoring total since the CCSU win and shooting 5-for-12 with two made threes.
Career Day Breakthroughs
Two sophomores turned in career performances in the victory. Nia Chima pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds, the highest single-game total by any River Hawk this season, while adding a season-best nine points on 4-for-8 shooting. Adna Halilbasic recorded career highs in points (10), field goals made (4), and threes made (2), joining Edmonds, Gilmore, and Modeva in double figures.
Balanced Scoring Across the Board
Four River Hawks finished in double digits against UMFK: Edmonds (18), Gilmore (14), Modeva (13), and Halilbasic (10). It marks the third game this season with at least three players in double figures and the second time this year Lowell has had four.
Defensive Turnover Pressure
Lowell forced 23 turnovers against UMFK — tied for its second-highest total forced this season — converting those giveaways into 19 points. The River Hawks now average 6.4 steals per game, led by freshman Tyanna Medina's 1.8 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the America East.
Second-Chance Production
Powered by 23 offensive rebounds, the River Hawks generated 21 second-chance points, the most in any game this season. Lowell continues to rank third in the America East in offensive boards per game.
