LOWELL, Mass. — The UMass Lowell women's basketball team returns to the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex this week to continue America East action, hosting Bryant on Thursday night before welcoming Binghamton for a Saturday matinee.
A Win Would…
- Mark the River Hawks' first America East victory of the season
- Snap a two-game skid following losses to Maine and UAlbany
- Improve the team's home record to 5-2 on the year
Last Time Out UMass Lowell battled in a tough road test at UAlbany on Saturday, falling 74–62. Despite the loss, the River Hawks offense showed flashes of brilliance, led by a standout performance from Jaini Edmonds. The guard poured in a season-high 24 points to pace the offense. The River Hawks fought to narrow the gap in the second half but could not overcome the Great Danes' early lead.
Scouting the Opponent
Bryant (12–3, 2–0 AE) boasts a strong defense that holds opponents to just 53.3 points per game. The Bulldogs are shooting 45.0 percent from the floor , led by Mia Mancini's 14.8 points per game.
Binghamton (9–5, 1–0 AE) enters the weekend averaging 69.9 points per contest on 42.3 percent shooting. Kendall Bennett anchors the Bearcats, leading the team with 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
NOTEBOOK: WHAT TO KNOW THIS WEEK
Shooters Shoot
The River Hawks continue to feature one of the nation's highest-volume perimeter offenses, ranking 57th in the country in three-point attempts (24.3 per game) and 89th in three-pointers made (7.3). Within the America East, UMass Lowell currently ranks second in three-pointers made per game.
Unbothered
UMass Lowell remains one of the most disciplined teams in the country, averaging just 13.9 fouls per game. This figure ranks 33rd among all Division I programs and third in the America East conference. The River Hawks have committed significantly fewer total fouls (209) than their opponents (227) this season, limiting free-throw opportunities for the opposition.
Free Real Estate
Despite the result on the road at UAlbany, the River Hawks were efficient from the line. UMass Lowell shot 82.4% (14-17) from the free-throw line against the Great Danes, their second-best percentage of the season (min. 10 attempts).
Main Character Energy
Jaini Edmonds took over in the conference clash at UAlbany, pouring in 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting. She also went 6-for-7 from the line, marking her best scoring output in extra points. Edmonds currently ranks 11th in the America East in scoring, averaging 13.5 points per game.
Board Meeting
Anabel Latorre Ciria remains a force in the paint. In addition to her scoring, she grabbed eight rebounds against UAlbany, with seven coming on the offensive end. She currently ranks 10th in the conference in rebounding (5.8 rpg) and helps anchor the league's second-best offensive rebounding unit.
On Repeat
Sabrina Larsson continues to be one of the most efficient shooters in the league. The senior guard is shooting 39.7% from three-point range, which ranks fourth in the America East. She has been a steady hand for the River Hawks, connecting on nearly 40% of her attempts from deep on high volume.
Core Memory
In the non-conference finale against St. Joseph's Brooklyn on Dec. 29, records fell across the board. The River Hawks set a new Division I program record for points (109) and three-pointers made (15). The team also set new Division I era records for field goals made (44), rebounds (65), and steals (17), eclipsing marks that had stood since 2017.
Canon Event
In the non-conference finale against St. Joseph's Brooklyn, Anabel Latorre Ciria etched her name in the record books by pulling down a Division I program-record 19 rebounds. Her 14 offensive boards in that contest set a new single-game standard for the program.
