UAlbany Drops Conference Opener To UMass Lowell

Enve

2025-01-05

Story Curated By: @Sonofajones

Score: UAlbany 69, UMass Lowell 73
Location: Broadview Center | Albany, N.Y.
Records: UAlbany (8-8, 0-1 America East), UMass Lowell (12-4, 1-0 America East)

The Riverhawks came into the Broadview Center, and earned a win over the Great Danes 73-69. This match up came down to a cinematic finish with Quinton Macy shooting a right handed sky hook with 26 seconds on the clock.

Q called GAME!! 😤💪#UnitedInBlue | #AEHoops pic.twitter.com/c8f6pOOy9k
— UMass Lowell MBB (@RiverHawkMBB) January 5, 2025

UMass Lowell continues to prove why they are one of the best in the America East. The Riverhawks finished with four players in double figures. Along with Macy’s 16 points, 9 rebounds Max Brooks would be a determining factor`defensively adding 4 blocks on the night. Yuri, and Clark would also contribute 10 points a piece.

For the Great Danes there were some positive outlooks to the night. With the Great Danes going toe to toe with the Riverhawks to the final possession, it leaves UAlbany with a sense of confidence. During the post game press conference Head Coach Dwayne Killings shares a message with his team.

"It's not about one individual play. Also we are not going to blame anybody for winning or losing a game. We win together, and we lose together."

UAlbany MBB Head Coach, Dwayne Killings post game comments.@AmericaEast | @UAlbanyMBB pic.twitter.com/DhgIlma4VN
— Enveonline (@Enveonline) January 5, 2025

On the offensive when the Great Danes attacked the basket they were unstoppable. Byron Joshua would hunt mismatches all game long. Ending the night with 18 Points, and 7 Assist.

Demarr Langford post play would come up huge in various stretches of the game. With Langford adding 13 Points, and 5 Rebounds on the night.

Justin Neely seemed to be in attack mode all game. The Junior added 15 Points, and 13 Rebounds on the night.

Following the loss during the post game Just Neely addressed the media about “moral victories”

"It's a lesson for us that this will be the type of teams we will be playing through out the rest of our conference schedule" – Justin Neely post game comment's @AmericaEast | #AEHooops pic.twitter.com/4GtE8SJcYh
— Enveonline (@Enveonline) January 5, 2025

Key Stats UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell shot 88% from the FT line

Four River Hawks scored in double figures, including Mincey who had 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
UMass Lowell shot 88% from the FT line.
The Riverhawks shot an efficient 48% from the field.

Key Stats UAlbany

The Great Danes outscored UMass in the paint 54-38.
UAlbany Outscored UMass 12-7 in second chance points.
UAlbany outscored UMass 23 – 14 from the bench.

Team Statistics

Game Stats	Lowell	ALB
FG%	.482	.405
3FG%	.182	.111
FT%	.882	.500
RB	32	45
TO	7	5
STL	4	4

Team Statistics

Key Takeaways

If you looked at the stat sheet after the game you would have thought UAlbany won. It’s not too often that the team that leads in having less turnovers, more paint points, second chance points and bench points would lose. An area of concern would be empty possessions. The Great Danes lead at half time.

Only to start the second half not executing. Shooting unnecessary three pointers early in the shot clock, and not putting more pressure on the rim. It seemed like they were trying to hit a “home run”, instead of trusting what got them the lead. The most obvious take away would be poor free throw shooting. The Great Danes shot 7-14% on the night. When facing the best team in the conference you can NOT shoot 50% from the charity strip.