River Hawks Up For Challenge at George Tech, Arizona State This Week

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ATLANTA, Ga. – The UMass Lowell men’s basketball team (2-0) will continue its longest road trip of the year with two, tough Power 5 matchups. The River Hawks will first visit George Tech on Tuesday, November 14 before heading to Arizona State on Thursday, Nov. 16.

A WIN WOULD
A win against the Yellow Jackets would mark the first time ever at the Division I level that the River Hawks have started 3-0. It would also give the team its first win against Georgia Tech in program history and second win against an ACC opponent after defeating Boston College in 2015.

LAST TIME OUT
Ayinde Hikim logged a career-high 25 points, as the UMass Lowell men’s basketball team took down Dartmouth, 81-48. Tied 5-5, Max Brooks converted on an and-one, igniting a 10-0 run for UMass Lowell. Although the Big Green cut the lead down to single digits, the visitors used a 12-2 stretch capped off by Andres Fulgencio’s first three of the year. The River Hawks didn’t look back, as they held their double-digit lead for the remainder of the game. Cam Morris III provided a spark off the bench, tallying 14 points, including a personal-best three baskets from beyond the arc.

LEADING THE FLOCK
Three River Hawks are averaging double-digits, as Ayinde Hikim leads the squad with 20.0 points per game. Right behind him, Cam Morris III adds 14.0 points, while Abdoul Karim Coulibaly adds 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Picking up from where he left off last year as the primary playmaker, Hikim paces his squad with nine assists, as well, while Max Brooks totals five blocks, so far.

STARTING STRONG
With the 96-51 win against Rivier, the River Hawks opened the season with a victory for the fourth straight year. That decision also marked the team’s 10th consecutive win in its home opener. So far, the team has started this season with a 2-0 record for the third year in a row.

GOING DEEP
The River Hawks look to be able to rely on their depth once again this season, as 11 different team members tallied points in the season opener. In that contest, the squad combined for an impressive 45 points off the bench. So far, the team is averaging 36.5 bench points a night.

INSIDE JOB
The River Hawks’ have relied on their scoring from down low early this season, with an average of 54 points coming from inside the paint.

PERIMETER POWER
Heading into this season, Coach Duquette said one of the most important keys to success for his team this year would becoming an elite perimeter defense team. So far, so good, as the River Hawks are ranked second in the nation in three-point percentage defense.