Robert Largenton
Connector Contributor
Sunday, January 26 was a day full of excitement for River Hawks athletics, as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams prepared to take on the Wildcats of the University of New Hampshire at the Tsongas Center.
Fans flocked to the arena, with the total attendance stretching over 3,000 people, the largest crowd to ever watch UMass Lowell basketball. The game was also broadcast on ESPN 3.
The men’s team started the doubleheader at 2 p.m., and were stymied early by a combination of tough shooting and a stifling Wildcat defense.
The River Hawks’ Chad Holley went 1-8 from the floor while birthday boy and guard Akeem Williams went 1-11 from the field. The team went a collective 6-49 from the floor in the game, a shooting percentage barely over 12 percent.
The River Hawks did make adjustments at the half by focusing more on driving to the net instead of taking deep shots.
The change in strategy worked for a while, as the River Hawks attempted 25 free throws, converting 20 of them.
UNH attempted just nine free throws over the course of the game, but enjoyed a shooting percentage close to 50 percent, making 24 of the 53 shots they attempted.
The Wildcats were led by Daniel Dion, who had seven assists to go along with 20 points, and senior center Chris Pelcher, whose double-double (13 points, 14 rebounds) was a result of utilizing his size against the much smaller River Hawks.
As the second half wore on, the gap between the two teams became too much to overcome, and UMass Lowell was forced to go back to attempting deep shots, very few of which fell.
The final score of the men’s game was 61-32 in favor of UNH.
The lady River Hawks began the second game of the doubleheader at 4 p.m., UNH enjoyed previous success against America East teams, with half of their season’s victories coming against league opponents (12-8 overall, 6-1 in America East).
The Wildcats came out shooting, knocking down four three pointers and nine free throws to go along with 44 percent shooting from the floor. The UMass Lowell women managed just one three pointer and 26 percent shooting in the first half, leading to a twelve-point Wildcat lead at intermission, 37-25.
The River Hawks came out of the half on a mission to bounce back and win the game. Behind 48 percent shooting from the floor in the second half, the River Hawks outscored the Wildcats 43 to 38 in the second frame.
The furious second half comeback fell just short, as UMass Lowell could not quite overcome the deficit they built in the first half.
Multiple River Hawks played well in front of the large crowd. Shannon Samuels had a 23 point night to lead the River Hawks in scoring, while Lindsey Doucette put up 18 points to go along with seven rebounds, three assists, one block and five steals.
Jasmine McRoy contributed 16 points and six rebounds for the River Hawks, while Brittany Lomanno had a great game too, scoring seven points and recording nine assists.
UNH managed to withstand the River Hawks furious comeback, and although they added another win to their record, UMass Lowell showed a resiliency and mental fortitude that will make them a tough opponent for any team, regardless of record or skill.
The men’s and women’s basketball teams will be back at the Tsongas Center on Saturday, February 15 for another doubleheader. The women will start the action at 2 p.m., with the men’s game starting at 4 p.m.
