NEWARK, N.J. — UMass Lowell continues America East play on Thursday morning with an Education Day matchup at NJIT inside the Wellness and Events Center. The River Hawks enter the week at 6–11 overall and 0–4 in league play, with Thursday marking their only contest on the schedule this week.
A Win Would…
- Snap a four-game slide
- Pick up the River Hawks' first America East win of the season
- Provide momentum with a full week to reset and prepare
Last Time Out
UMass Lowell fell to Binghamton, 80–52, on Saturday afternoon at the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex. The River Hawks were within five after one (17–12), but Binghamton stretched the margin across the middle quarters. Sabrina Larsson led Lowell with 18 points while knocking down 5-of-8 from three, with Jaini Edmonds and Tyanna Medina adding 11 apiece.
Scouting the Opponent
NJIT enters Thursday at 11–6 overall and 2–2 in America East play, averaging 68.2 points per game while allowing 65.9. The Highlanders are efficient offensively (45.3% FG, 34.2% 3PT) and protect the rim at a high level, averaging 4.2 blocks per game.
Key Players
- Alejandra Zuniga: team-leading 18.4 ppg
- Olivia Kulyk: 15.3 ppg and 42 threes this season
- Marissa Gingrich: 13.1 ppg on 49.7% shooting
- Ava Locklear: team-best 8.2 rpg
NOTEBOOK: WHAT TO KNOW
Second Chance Energy
UMass Lowell is relentless on the offensive glass, ranking second in the America East with 12.6 offensive rebounds per game. This proficiency contributes to the team ranking fourth in the conference in total rebounding offense, pulling down 35.2 boards per night.
Follow Through
A major strength for this squad is its ability to defend without fouling, committing only 14.2 personal fouls per game—31st nationally and third in the America East—effectively limiting opponent opportunities at the free-throw line.
The Moment
Jaini Edmonds is a high-usage playmaker who ranks fifth in the conference in field goal attempts (210). She's averaging 12.9 points per game while also ranking among the league's top facilitators at 2.7 assists per contest.
Depth
The River Hawks' second unit continues to provide a spark, ranking fourth in the conference with 18.1 bench points per game. The reserves delivered a season-high 56 points earlier this season against St. Joseph's Brooklyn.
Triple Threat Tactics
UMass Lowell's offensive identity is built on high-volume perimeter shooting. The River Hawks are first in the America East in three-point attempts per game (23.7) and second in made threes per game (7.1), consistently generating offense from beyond the arc.
National Numbers
- 31st nationally in fouls per game (14.2)
- 62nd nationally in 3-point attempts per game (23.7) and 103rd in 3s made per game (7.1)
- Sabrina Larsson is shooting 41.2% from three, ranking 47th nationally
