UMass Lowell Opens Season With 115-59 Win Over Rivier College

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On Monday night, the UMass Lowell Men’s basketball team kicked off the 2024-25 season with a 115-59 victory over Division III Rivier College at Costello Athletic Center. Given the opponent, the result was not a surprise. From the twelve-minute mark of the first half when the score was 23-17, the River Hawks took control of the game and cruised to win #1 on the season. Everybody played and scored in this one led by fifth-year senior Max Brooks who collected his first double-double of the year with 16 points and 11 rebounds in just under twenty minutes of playing time.

The River Hawks come into this year with high expectations. On Monday they were ranked #5 in the country in the Small Conference Top 25 poll. One of three America East teams to be ranked. The other two are Vermont at #3 and Bryant at #15. This is one of, if not the oldest team in school history. The team has 10 seniors and fifth-year players. That is tied for the fourth most in the country. The average age of the 15-man roster is 21.7 years of age. They also returned 73% of their rebounding from a year ago and 80% of their shot-blocking from last season.

There is depth to this team which was on display Monday night. Not only did the River Hawks score in the paint (56 points), but they also got 46 off the bench. Freshman Martin Somerville led the way with 17 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the field and 5-of-7 from 3-point land. Max Brooks calls Somerville a “dog” in a good way. On Monday night, UMass Lowell showed it could score in the paint and from the perimeter. Something they’ve had trouble with in the past.

This was a game for twelve minutes in the first half. The Rivier Raiders were able to hang with the River Hawks thanks in large part to 5-6 senior guard Odarius Cade who scored eight of his 12 points in the span. He showed an ability to slash his way to the basket and was an early problem for UMass Lowell. After the game, River Hawks head coach Pat Duquette said he was “not happy with the start.” He thought his team gave the Raiders too many open looks. Cade was getting help from Kyle Bosse who had nine of his team-high 17 points in the first twelve minutes. Those two were the Rivier offense in the early stages of the game.

Once UMass Lowell settled down, they took control of the rest of the game. Last year’s Sixth Man of the Year Quinton Mincy, now back in the starting lineup, had a game-high 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting, 1-of 2 from deep, and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. The rest of the starting lineup finished the game in double-figures as Yuri Covington had 18 points on 6-of-7 from the field, 3-of-4 from 3- 3-point territory, and Cam Morris had 11 points, five rebounds, and three blocks.

Rivier also got 14 points from Laconia, NH native Matt Constant. He was not shy putting up shots, as he went 5-of-17 from the field, and 4-of-13 from deep in 31 minutes of game time. The River Hawks got 10 points off the bench from Anthony Blunt on 5-of-8 from the field and he also chipped in with eight rebounds, an assist, and two steals.

The River Hawks will begin their Division I portion of the schedule on Friday night when they host St.Peters. A team that was a part of last year’s NCAA Tournament. Tipoff on Friday night is set for 6 PM.