Game 9, 2022-23: UMass Lowell (12/8)

[MikeUMA]

Little brother is 9-1, but haven't really beaten anyone good. They've played Sacred Heart twice (WTH?) They beat the post-Kellogg LIU Sharks by 20 tonight, in Brooklyn.

Their one loss was by 8 at Rutgers.

https://goriverhawks.com/sports/mens-ba ... l/schedule

[stevemaz]

This is going to be a tough game without Fernandes. It really sucks losing him because they were on their way to 11-1 heading into league play, but now that will be tough as the next three will all be tight games. The next three games are incredibly huge for our at-large possibilities come March (really need to win all three)

[thecaptain]

i dont doubt that they are a solid team, and certainly will be a test for us (especially without Noah), but Fisher College, Emerson, Stonehill? Come on.

[eldonabe]

i dont doubt that they are a solid team, and certainly will be a test for us (especially without Noah), but Fisher College, Emerson, Stonehill? Come on.

Don't get your opinion warped by the opponents they have played. UML will be a test for this team and I would not be surprised in the least if this is a final possession game.

[DanaDingle3]

per @MLBergman_

3,174 in attendance last night at Mullins.

CCSU - 4693 (Mon)
Towson - 4435 (Thu)

O/U on 5,000 for Thursday? We've got a team with some momentum and buzz taking on a well-coached, half-way decent Lowell team. Time to show up!

[e_parade]

per @MLBergman_

3,174 in attendance last night at Mullins.

CCSU - 4693 (Mon)
Towson - 4435 (Thu)

O/U on 5,000 for Thursday? We've got a team with some momentum and buzz taking on a well-coached, half-way decent Lowell team. Time to show up!

Also, at least UML is a common opponent in the Mullins...albeit for hockey. At least it's a place all the students will be aware of.

[Sheck]

i dont doubt that they are a solid team, and certainly will be a test for us (especially without Noah), but Fisher College, Emerson, Stonehill? Come on.

Don't get your opinion warped by the opponents they have played. UML will be a test for this team and I would not be surprised in the least if this is a final possession game.

Yeah this is maybe the best team Lowell's had since elevating to D1. We might be the biggest game on their schedule. Just hope there's enough post-Myrtle Beach residue left to come away with a win.

[eldonabe]

per @MLBergman_

3,174 in attendance last night at Mullins.

CCSU - 4693 (Mon)
Towson - 4435 (Thu)

O/U on 5,000 for Thursday? We've got a team with some momentum and buzz taking on a well-coached, half-way decent Lowell team. Time to show up!

As of right now NOBODY CARES if we are playing a "well coached, halfway-decent team". Put me down for the under

Change the name of the Opponent to [Fill in the blank] # ranked team in the country or UMass # Ranked in the country and then you will see students all over the place.


This is still just starting to simmer. You start getting regular mentions on ESPN, then the bodies will appear. Or you, you know - free stuff.

[Juice Stand]

^ yes I agree, but also I sensed some buzz building among students for the team and specifically Gapare. There were a few groups of students scattered around my seat last night and they all knew who he was and got pretty fired up when he did his thing. It's not much, but it will keep building if they keep winning.

[minutefanjsf]

^ yes I agree, but also I sensed some buzz building among students for the team and specifically Gapare. There were a few groups of students scattered around my seat last night and they all knew who he was and got pretty fired up when he did his thing. It's not much, but it will keep building if they keep winning.

^this. Gapare is making headlines on NBA prospect social media. Kids will start coming to see him.

[Juice Stand]

I'm pretty nervous about this game and the mindset of the players right now. They're in the midst of a 6-game win streak, just cruised to an easy victory without Noah, and saw an incredible display by a very talented newcomer. My concern is how they react to coach Martin's comments after the game. Will the comments resonate with the players, will they work harder in practice, or will some have a bad taste in their mouths and not be up for the game? I am of the camp that you should probably beat UML at home every time, but there are some factors that make me a little nervous. I want to see a connected unit tomorrow, not a disjointed group.

For the record, I don't disagree with Martin's methods, I just know that everyone takes to coaching differently. We'll learn a lot about certain players on the roster.

[Floyd]

I think these kids want to win and put some respect on the UMass name. As Frank has alluded to, most of them are restarting fresh, or were from teams that weren't winning alot, or freshman. He's demanding, but I haven't seen any of these kids playing soft. As they play together more they should only get better.

Injuries always a concern, but I'd be surprised to see them get complacent. Most are getting ample time to prove they deserve time, so it's all in their approach & effort. Guys like Noah, Wildens, TJ, Isaac, and Cross have played a bit so I don't see them letting guys let up.

Loving this team & staff so far

[69MG]

So happy that Frank has played 10 guys all year so we don't have to rely on an untested PG with Noah out. Big question - who does he start, Rashool or Keon?

Maybe I'm nuts but I'd like him to sit down with Rashool and tell him he has confidence in him, knows he is a good player and go out and play like the #2 player in PA so I'm giving you the start. Keon will get plenty of minutes but we need Diggins to be more of a contributor with Noah out for 3 weeks.

Of course, this could backfire with Diggins picking up 3 quick fouls and missing all of his shots. Would I have the guts to do this if I were the coach, I don't know.

[eldonabe]

The only thing I worry about is Frank's schtick wearing thin over time. I am not talking about this year, this is over the long haul. Right now you have a bunch of new players who all all appear to be pretty hungry to get the job done and have a lot to prove. They are going to respond to the noise.

Guys like Frank tend to burn out the fan base and/or overstay their welcome. Lots of sour (fan) faces behind the bench in game #1 because they don't like Frank's "scream like a maniac" style. Some even heard somebody telling Frank to tone it down..... As long a the deodorant of winning is applied properly those people can't really say too much; but if the team flounders, those same people will get awful loud and negative really fast.


Personally I think this is fucking great. I want someone to get in these kids faces and hold them accountable. We have not had that in the Mullins for far too long. I hope they continue the upward trend they have started. It would be nice to se a mostly full Mullins by the end of the year.

[Floyd]

My guess is that as the team comes together, Frank also knows when to light the fire or not. He's not stupid, he's trying to instill a culture, not break people.

It's funny how some fans would rather lose as long as everything is nice. It's not gym class