In a hard-fought contest, the UMass Lowell River Hawks women’s basketball team faced a challenging matchup against NJIT, falling 68-57 in Newark, New Jersey. The game took place at the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness & Events Center on Thursday afternoon. This defeat dropped the River Hawks’ record to 6-12 overall and 0-5 in America East play.
Game Overview
The River Hawks began the game with strong momentum. Senior guard Jaini Edmonds, hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, energized the team by hitting two early three-pointers. UMass Lowell jumped to a quick 7-0 lead, establishing their first significant advantage.
First Half Performance
Following a competitive first quarter that ended in an 18-18 tie, UMass Lowell continued to build on their momentum. Senior guard Sabrina Larsson from Uppsala, Sweden, contributed significantly by scoring consecutive three-pointers. The River Hawks stretched their lead to as much as 12 points and entered halftime with a narrow 32-31 advantage.
Third Quarter Challenges
However, the third quarter proved to be decisive. NJIT started strong, seizing their first lead just 18 seconds into the half. UMass Lowell struggled offensively during this period, scoring only seven points and shooting just 2-for-11 from the field. NJIT capitalized on this scoring drought, pushing their lead to 50-39 by the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter Fight
Despite the setbacks, the River Hawks showed resilience in the final quarter. Larsson hit her fourth three-pointer, reducing the deficit to single digits. Junior guard Maddie Rice from Charlottesville, Virginia, also made an impact, scoring inside and cutting the gap to seven points. Nonetheless, NJIT responded effectively, maintaining their lead with crucial possessions.
Player Highlights
- Jaini Edmonds: 11 points
- Sabrina Larsson: 12 points on four three-pointers
- Maddie Rice: 8 points and 11 rebounds
UMass Lowell will look to bounce back next week, as they prepare for an away game against Vermont on January 22 at 11 AM. The team aims to improve their performance and secure their first conference win.
