UMass Lowell wins easily, 109-45 over Mass. College of Liberal Arts

Read Time:2 Minute, 59 Second

In this new age we all live in, nothing can be taken for granted anymore. In the world of college basketball, that means things can change at a moment’s notice. Saturday was supposed to be a day off for the UMass Lowell basketball team. But because of Covid issues with upcoming road opponents, the River Hawks decided to add a game to their schedule. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, a Division-III school, was more than willing to pick up an extra game. So on Saturday afternoon, the two programs met at Costello Athletic Center, with the River Hawks winning going away 109-45.

For UMass Lowell, this is the third D-III school they have played this season. Not something you want to do on a regular basis, But again, because of the new world we now exist in, scheduling non-conference games may become more of a challenge than ever before. Picking games up on the fly may be more of a normal practice than in the past. It is just something that everyone in this business will have to get used to. As for the game, it was never in doubt. The River Hawks (7-4) did what you would expect a more talented team to do in these situations. They controlled the game on both ends of the floor. They totaled 58 points in the paint because they were the taller and more physical team. The Trailblazers had no player above 6-4 on their roster. Lowell also scored 58 points off the bench as they finished the game with seven players in double figures. Every player that received minutes in this game scored. As head coach Pat Duquette said afterward “we played to who we are.”

There were some nice signs for the River Hawks, They shot the ball much better from the field and from 3-point land on Saturday (42-74 56% from the field, 9-22 40% three’s). The coach believes this is a “good shooting team” which has not always been the case early on. They also displayed active hands getting 11 steals in the game, and turning those into made baskets on the other end. Another good sign for this team. One of those in double figures for the day was guard Kalil Thomas who had 17 points on 6-8 from the field and 5-7 from deep. Duquette said “he is starting to let the game slow down” which is helping with his decision-making on the floor. If there was any bad news to report, it would be that junior forward Connor Withers was not in uniform for this one, as he had the boot back on his foot which has bothered him all season long. Hopefully, with eight days off because of final exams, that foot can get better and he can get back on the court.

The bright spot for Mass. College of Liberal Arts was the play of senior forward Hayden Bird. He had 20 points (7-17 from the field, 6-15 from deep) with a rebound and an assist. He had to play among the trees all day long and did the best he could. It is not easy being 6-2 going up against taller guys all game long. Bird was the only player to hit double figures for the Trailblazers. As they shot only 24% for the game and 27% from behind the arc.

Next up for the UMass Lowell River Hawks is their final exams, then a home game with Sacred Heart on Sunday, December 19th.