Trevor Cullen
Connector Editor

While they do not have a winning record and are not eligible for the playoffs due to the transition to Division 1, the River Hawks men’s basketball team is playing at a tremendous pace.

Their latest victim was the University of Baltimore Maryland County. Behind a tremendous shooting performance headlined by 30 points from Akeem Williams, and even more impressive defense, the River Hawks earned a 71-61 win on the road, and a season series win against the Retrievers.

Williams’ 30 points marked just the sixth time a player has scored at least that many in America East this season, but it was the team’s defense that led them to victory. The River Hawks held UMBC to its second lowest field goal percentage (.328) of the season, as well as their second fewest field goals attempted (19) on the season.

On the other side of the court, UMass Lowell’s offense looked like it might not miss a basket, shooting a season best 64.3% from behind the three point arc. After a 9-3 run to end the first half, the River Hawks made six of their first seven shots and enjoyed a field goal percentage above 50 percent in the second half.

En route to his 30 point night, Williams tallied career highs for free throws made (12) and free throws attempted (14).

The River Hawks will enjoy some rare down time before heading to Vermont to play the Catamounts on Wednesday night.