Quinton Mincey scores 27 points to lead UMass-Lowell to upset over UMass

On December 7, 2024, the UMass-Lowell River Hawks secured a significant victory against the UMass Minutemen with a score of 96-83 in Amherst, Massachusetts. The standout performance came from Quinton Mincey, who scored an impressive 27 points, contributing greatly to his team's offense. Alongside Mincey, Martin Somerville also made a notable contribution with 22 points and five assists, while Yuri Covington added 19 points, showcasing a balanced offensive effort from the River Hawks. The game saw several shifts in momentum, beginning as UMass-Lowell took an early 17-13 lead, fueled by a decisive 10-0 run. At halftime, UMass-Lowell held a narrow 40-38 lead due in part to Covington's 12 first-half points. The second half proved crucial for UMass-Lowell, as they established and maintained their lead, with Xzavier Lino's jump shot at 15:41 marking the decisive moment, after which their advantage grew. Defensively, UMass-Lowell managed to stifle the Minutemen, allowing them to only outscore UMass by 11 points in the final half. The game highlighted the strong teamwork and strategic plays made by the River Hawks, displaying their ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, UMass's struggle was evident as they fought hard, led by Jayden Ndjigue and Jaylen Curry, who each netted 17 points, but the team's overall performance was not enough to clinch a win. This victory improves UMass-Lowell's record to 6-4, putting them in a better position ahead of their upcoming game against LIU at home. In contrast, this loss added to UMass's challenges, dropping their record to 3-7. The game emphasized the importance of effective teamwork and making key plays under pressure, as UMass-Lowell prepares to continue their season with hopeful optimism.