River Hawks Soar into Bryant for Thrilling Saturday Clash

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The UMass Lowell men’s basketball squad (13-5, 2-1 AE) is preparing to travel to Bryant (9-9, 3-0) on Saturday, January 18 for a 4 p.m. start.

A VICTORY WOULD

A victory would bring the River Hawks to 14-5 for the season and elevate the team to 3-1 in conference matchups. It would also enhance the team’s overall record to 6-0 historically against the Bulldogs.

LAST GAME SUMMARY

Freshman Martin Somerville (Bowie, Md.) achieved a personal-best of 26 points to assist the UMass Lowell men’s basketball team (13-5, 2-1 AE) in securing a 70-62 win over NJIT (3-14, 0-2 AE) on Jan. 11 at Costello Athletic Center. Somerville made a game-high five three-pointers to lead all scorers and contributed six assists. Fifth-year player Max Brooks (Waldorf, Md.) added 16 points and 14 rebounds, marking his 20th career double-double, along with five assists. Senior Cam Morris III (Alexander City, Ala.) completed the list of double-digit scorers with 11 points.

LEADING THE TEAM

Four River Hawks are averaging double figures, with Max Brooks spearheading the effort with 15.0 points per game, while also leading the team in rebounds with 8.1 and blocks at 51. Following closely, Quinton Mincey contributes 14.8 points per contest, and Martin Somerville contributes 13.9 points in his inaugural season, which includes a team-high 42 three-pointers and 22 steals. Yuri Covington wraps up the scoring with 11.4 points per game. Acting as the main playmaker, Quincy Clark has compiled 47 assists this season.

OUTLASTING RIVALS

A determined unit, the River Hawks have discovered ways to take the lead when needed in a number of close games this year; most recently, they secured a victory at UAlbany despite recording 11 ties and 14 lead changes. The team currently holds a 5-2 record in contests with a minimum of eight lead changes.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

UMass Lowell is presently positioned among the top 25 in the nation in five team statistics, including free throws made (8th) and defensive rebounds per game (14th).

PRECISION SHOOTERS

UMass Lowell ranks first in the league and ninth nationwide for field goal percentage, with a shooting accuracy of 50.4%. For the second consecutive year, Max Brooks is leading the squad in efficiency and is placed second in the country with a shooting percentage of 73.2% on field goals. He also ranks 10th nationally among active NCAA career leaders (63.9%). The center went an impeccable 12-for-12 on field goals against Dartmouth, equaling the NCAA record this season and representing the best shooting performance by any player nationwide since the 2021-22 season.

STARTING STRONG AND STAYING AHEAD

The team tends to perform well when they take the lead early, boasting a 7-1 record when leading at halftime thus far this season.

RESILIENT WINNERS

The River Hawks have exhibited their calmness and resilience this season, finding themselves behind or tied in the second half prior to emerging victorious in seven games already, most recently at UAlbany.

SHARING THE BALL

The River Hawks’ teamwork and cohesiveness have been evident early this season, as the team has recorded six games with over 20 assists thus far. They currently sit second in the America East with an average of 15.7 assists per game.