(Photo courtesy of Binghamton Athletics) “UMass Lowell lost their recent game against Binghamton despite big AEC hopes.”

Jake Messer
Connector Editor

Last week, the River Hawks fell to Binghamton, 54-66. Another tough loss has the alarm bells ringing for this team as conference play is beginning to heat up as the calendar creeps toward March.

The River Hawks, who looked like early favorites to win the America East Championship during non-conference play, have come out sluggish during conference play, as the team currently sits in fourth place, with a 4-5 record on the season thus far.

One of the biggest points of contention with the performance of the team so far has been their poor defense. More specifically, in their three-point defense.

In conference play, the team has allowed opponents to shoot 34% from behind the arch, the third highest in America East this year. This is surprising when you see that they actually hold their opponents to 42% from the field, only behind Bryant and Maine for the best in the conference. The bigs have been doing their job, the guards need to step up and do a better job stopping the three-point barrage.

Another point that needs to be addressed is the team’s inability to grab rebounds. In nine games, the River Hawks have allowed their opponents to grab an average of 40 rebounds a game, the highest in the conference. These rebounds allow their opponents numerous second-chance opportunities, making it harder for them to win close games, which has already been seen numerous times throughout the early stages of conference play.

In early January, the River Hawks hosted Vermont in a crucial, must-win game if they wanted a chance to host the playoffs this season. The team fought hard, but in a game where the lead changed hands 11 times, they were unable to get over the hump, losing 67-63.

In this close game, the River Hawks gave up 44 rebounds, 17 of which were offensive rebounds, allowing for 16 second-chance points for the Catamounts. Something that cannot happen in must-win games.

Another instance of losing a game they should have won, was when they hosted the Maine Black Bears three weeks ago.

After a hard-fought game, it appeared that the River Hawks were going to pull out a gritty win in overtime. Up four with 40 seconds left in OT, Lowell gave up five points in five seconds, losing them the game 86-85, just their third home loss in three seasons.

The River Hawks actually outplayed the Black Bears in almost every statistical category, except for one, turnovers. Lowell had 14 turnovers on the day, some coming during crucial points of the game, which ultimately led to the stunning loss.

Two games later, the River Hawks suffered yet another difficult loss. This time they fell to NJIT, a team that had been in the basement of the conference for much of the previous decade. In a game where the River Hawks had an advantage in talent, they still ended up losing the game, 83-62.

In games they really should be winning, especially considering the amount of talent on the roster, they still end up losing and seemingly cannot find their footing during conference play this season.

This game was followed up with a very nice performance against UMBC at home, winning 83-67. However, this win was followed up by yet another tough loss, this time at the hands of Binghamton.

As of right now, the River Hawks have yet to win back-to-back games in conference play this season. Every win has been followed up with a loss, which isn’t a formula for success in this cut-throat conference.

As hard as it has been for some fans, there still is hope.

Almost every team in America East makes the playoffs. This means the River Hawks still have time to find their confidence and winning identity. They can build momentum, and in a perfect world, ride it all the way through the playoffs.

The expectations may not be met this season, but fans shouldn’t give up hope yet. This group faces a challenge it has not seen in four years. They face adversity. How will they handle it?