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Men’s basketball out-duels NJIT

Robert Largenton
Connector Staff

The UMass Lowell men’s basketball team took the court against the 9-15 New Jersey Institute of Technology on Monday, February 3 fresh off an America East conference victory against Binghamton.

UMass Lowell closed out the Highlanders 73-64 for their second straight victory, improving their overall record to 7-14.

The River Hawks were led by sophomore DJ Mlachnik, who had 15 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists. Mlachnik scored all of his points form behind the three point line.

Mlachnik was joined on the score chart by Chad Holley, who chipped in 13 points and eight assists, and Akeem Williams, who had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists in the evening’s game.

Antonio Bivins continued to show no signs of rust since coming off the injury list, putting up a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The game was back and forth between inaccurate shooting and strong defense from both teams for the first eight minutes with NJIT leading 15-14 half way through the first half.

From there, the slow start turned into a shooting gallery, as both the River Hawks and the Highlanders stared knocking down shot after shot.

At the end of the first half the River Hawks took an 11 point lead into the locker room, 40-29.

In the second half it was more of the same, with strong shooting and strong defense from both teams.

The River Hawks never lost their lead in the second half and had an answer for every shot taken by the Highlanders.
Behind a strong second half effort on defense and sustained offensive pressure, UMass Lowell managed a comfortable win.