UMass-Lowell aims for 11th straight home win against Vermont
- TJ Hurley led the Vermont Catamounts with 23 points in their victory against UMass-Lowell.
- The game was closely contested, with both teams performing strongly in their America East Conference matchup.
- Vermont's win pushes them to a 2-0 record in conference play, while UMass-Lowell now stands at 1-1.
In Lowell, Massachusetts, on Thursday night, the Vermont Catamounts faced off against the UMass-Lowell River Hawks. This was a crucial America East Conference game, as both teams were looking to secure a win early in the season. UMass-Lowell was attempting to extend its 10-game home winning streak, showcasing a strong record of 12-4 at that point in the season. The Vermont team, with a record of 9-8, was aiming for their second consecutive conference win. Throughout the evening, both teams displayed skilled performances, contributing to a tightly contested matchup. TJ Hurley was the standout player for the Catamounts, delivering a commanding performance with 23 points, shooting 6 of 13 from the field overall, including a challenging night from beyond the arc with only 2 for 8 success from three-point range. His ability to draw fouls was evident as he capitalized at the free-throw line, going 9 for 10, helping his team secure the victory. Hurley’s performance was complemented by Ileri Ayo-Faleye, who contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess on the court. On the other side, Martin Somerville led the River Hawks with 17 points and demonstrated effective playmaking with four assists. UMass-Lowell struggled to contain the Catamounts’ scoring, especially during crucial moments in the game. Despite the loss, the River Hawks were competitive, and Max Brooks also provided support with nine points and three blocks. With skillful offensive plays, Vermont managed to outscore UMass-Lowell, securing an important victory for their season. As the game concluded, Vermont improved its record to 9-8 and moved to 2-0 in the America East Conference, while the River Hawks fell to 12-5 and 1-1 in their conference standings. Both teams prepared for their upcoming games, with Vermont set to face Bryant and UMass-Lowell to take on NJIT at home on Saturday. The match was not only significant for the teams' standings but also served as an early indicator of their competitive nature in the league this season.