News Summary
The UMass Minutemen men’s basketball team ended their two-game losing streak with an impressive 86-52 win against UMass Boston. UMass showcased their dominance from the start with a 13-0 run and stellar performances from Malek Abdelgowad and Daniel Rivera. The bench also contributed significantly, ensuring the momentum never waned. Despite a brief comeback from UMass Boston, UMass maintained control, resulting in a commanding 31-point victory. With this win, UMass improves to a 4-7 record, gearing up for their next challenge against Northeastern.
UMass Men’s Basketball Breaks Free with a Spectacular Win!
Amherst, Massachusetts – The UMass Minutemen men’s basketball team found their groove once again, putting a stop to their two-game losing streak with an impressive 86-52 victory over UMass Boston, a team competing in the Division III Little East conference. It was a much-needed win, and the excitement reverberated through the crowd as the Minutemen energized the court!
From the Tip-Off: A Strong Start
It was all about momentum right from the get-go. UMass established dominance with a remarkable 13-0 run, leaving their opponents searching for answers. Both Malek Abdelgowad and Daniel Rivera were instrumental during those opening minutes, shining brighter than ever. A three-pointer from UMass Boston’s Raphel Laurent tried to spark some life into the game, tying things up early on, but the Minutemen quickly regained control. Those back-to-back layups from Abdelgowad, alongside Rivera’s offensive rebound and score, set the stage for a thrilling first half.
Substitutes Bringing the Heat
It didn’t take long for the bench players to join the action. Shahid Muhammad and Nate Guerengomba stepped up, ensuring that the scoring momentum never waned. It truly showcased the depth and versatility of the UMass team! Rahsool Diggins, who had faced challenges from beyond the arc previously, managed to shake off that 0-of-8 slump. His three-point shot was not just a morale booster; it launched UMass into a commanding position.
Turning the Game Around
UMass Boston, however, wasn’t about to just roll over. With threes from Cameron Perkins and Xavier McKenzie, they clawed their way back, narrowing UMass’s lead to just seven points. But the Minutemen, like seasoned pros, quickly responded with their own scoring blast, including an astonishing 12-0 run, with Abdelgowad dazzling everyone by nailing eight consecutive points, and even sinking his first two three-pointers ever in college.
Statistical Domination
Although the Minutemen faced a few challenges in the turnover department, they left no doubt about the overall prowess of their performance. The scoring off turnovers was heavily in their favor, clocking in at 19-8, and they dominated fast break points with an outrageous 32-2 score. It was like watching a well-oiled machine! On the boards, UMass showcased their strength too, hauling in 56 rebounds compared to UMass Boston’s mere 26. Talk about a rebounding clinic!
Individual Stars Shine Bright
As the game wore on, two players stood tall – Abdelgowad and Rivera. Abdelgowad finished the night with a dazzling 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Rivera secured a solid double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Their incredible performances were complemented by jaw-dropping plays from Diggins and Marqui Worthy, who each racked up seven assists, while Jaylen Curry added five assists and 10 points to the mix.
A Perfect Ending
UMass Boston made a valiant effort in the second half and managed to cut the lead to 18 points. But the Minutemen were unequivocally in control. Key moments arose when Muhammad blocked two shots, leading to an electric transition alley-oop by Tarique Foster. By the time the final buzzer rang, UMass had sealed the deal with a resounding 31-point victory!
Looking Ahead
On the score sheet for UMass Boston, both McKenzie and Perkins stood out, each contributing 13 points. The Minutemen, now boasting an overall record of 4-7, are primed to face Northeastern on December 18 at 7 PM. Fans can catch all the action live on NESN, as the energy continues to build around this determined UMass squad.
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Additional Resources
- UMass Athletics
- Sports Illustrated
- GazetteNet
- Wikipedia: UMass Lowell
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Massachusetts Amherst
