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The Layup Line: UMass Lowell

This could very well be the worst opponent the Bearcats play all year. So why in the world would I waste time writing a preview?

Leon Halip

Alright, maybe that wasn't funny to the rest of you, but I got a kick out of it. I accidentally published Tuesday's game preview with just the following phrase:

It's not a question of if the Bearcats will win; it's by how much.

Pretty funny, right? I laughed - and that's all that matters. Sure, it's a shameless way to get a few of you to click on the story once and then come back to read an actual preview. Double pageviews, yeah!

Seriously, though; Tuesday's game against the UMass Lowell River Hawks might be the most lopsided matchup (on paper) of the season. And, no, I haven't looked in-depth at the next 2 opponents yet, so I can say that while pleading ignorance. Here's my reasoning:

  1. This is Umass Lowell's first year in Division 1 basketball.
  2. The River Hawks haven't won a game this year.
  3. They've played Dartmouth and Brown.
  4. They lost by double digits to both.
  5. They average a -12.4 rebounding margin so far this year.
  6. 852 fans showed up to their 1 and only home game this year.
I think we could start Zack Tobler at all 5 positions and still come away with a victory. Maybe that's the bourbon talking, though. After all, I published an article with just 14 words on it.

Needless to say, I'm going to keep this one short.
  • Game: Tuesday, November 26 @ 7:00pm ET
  • Location: Fifth Third Arena/Shoemaker Center; Cincinnati, OH
  • TV/Radio: FSO; 700WLW

What we know about UMass Lowell. They're still coming along. See, I'm getting nicer and nicer as I type...

They do have 2 guys currently averaging 15 points a game (Chad Holley and Akeem Williams). A total of nine players have logged minutes for the River Hawks this year, and only seven average double digit minutes each game. In contrast, twelve guys for the Bearcats have been on the floor this year, and nine of them average double digit minutes.

Three guys for the River Hawks are listed at 6'6" or taller. Of course, these three gentlemen don't play much averaging only 13, 8, and 8 minutes each.

What the 'Cats have to do to win:

  • Make it safely to Fifth Third Arena.
  • Put on their uniforms.
  • Press.
My prediction: Cronin was pretty upset at the conclusion of last week's game (rightfully so), and I have a feeling the Bearcats come out with a little more focus on Tuesday. UMass Lowell didn't have a chance before they got here, so this one ends ugly: 81 - 51.