Right now, the UMass Lowell River Hawks are reeling from a tough 68-57 loss to NJIT. The game, which took place at the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness & Events Center, saw the River Hawks struggle to maintain their early momentum. Head coach Jon Plefka expressed his disappointment, noting that the third quarter was particularly challenging for his team. “A promising first half for us, and then the third quarter got us again,” he commented. “The intensity was turned up, and unfortunately, we couldn’t match it.” The River Hawks started strong, with senior guard Jaini Edmonds sparking the offense with a pair of early threes. They quickly built a lead, but NJIT managed to tie the game at 18-18 after one. The second quarter saw UMass Lowell extend their lead to as many as 12 points, but the Highlanders flipped the script in the third quarter, taking a decisive lead that they maintained until the end. Despite the loss, there were bright spots for UMass Lowell. Sabrina Larsson finished with 12 points on four made threes, while Edmonds added 11 points. Maddie Rice also had a solid game with eight points and 11 rebounds. The River Hawks will look to bounce back next week when they travel to Burlington for a matchup at Vermont on Wednesday, January 22. River Hawks Struggle in the Second Half The River Hawks’ early lead was built on strong offensive play, with Edmonds and Larsson both hitting key threes. However, NJIT’s defense tightened in the second half, and the River Hawks struggled to find their rhythm. The Highlanders’ ability to turn stops into transition chances proved to be the difference in the game. UMass Lowell managed only seven points in the third quarter, shooting a dismal 2-for-11 from the field. This allowed NJIT to build a 50-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Despite their efforts, the River Hawks couldn’t overcome the deficit, and NJIT maintained their lead down the stretch. UMass Lowell’s early lead was built on strong offensive play. NJIT’s defense tightened in the second half, limiting the River Hawks’ scoring opportunities. The Highlanders’ transition game proved to be the difference in the game. UMass Lowell struggled to find their rhythm in the second half. Strategic Analysis: River Hawks Drop Road Decision at NJIT, 68-57 The River Hawks’ loss to NJIT highlights several strategic issues that need to be addressed. The team’s inability to maintain their early momentum is a concern, as is their struggles in the third quarter. Head coach Jon Plefka noted that the team needs to end NJIT’s runs quicker and make plays when it matters most. The River Hawks will need to make adjustments if they hope to bounce back from this loss. Their next game against Vermont will be a crucial test, and they will need to bring their A-game if they hope to secure a win. The team’s offensive and defensive strategies will need to be fine-tuned, and they will need to find a way to maintain their intensity throughout the game. The Shock Factor: NJIT vs UMass Lowell Prediction, Odds & Best Bets Today – NCAAB, Jan. 15 The game between NJIT and UMass Lowell was a shock to many, with the Highlanders coming out on top in a decisive fashion. The odds were in favor of the River Hawks, but NJIT’s strong defensive play and transition game proved to be too much for UMass Lowell to handle. Many experts predicted a close game, but few expected NJIT to pull away in the second half. The Highlanders’ ability to turn stops into transition chances was a key factor in their victory. The River Hawks will need to learn from this game and make the necessary adjustments if they hope to bounce back in their next matchup. Forecasting: How to Watch UMass-Lowell River Hawks vs. NJIT Highlanders: Live Stream Info, TV Channel, Game Time | Jan. 15 For those who missed the game, there are still ways to catch up on the action. The game was broadcasted on various sports networks, and highlights are available online. Fans can also check out the latest news updates on the UMass Lowell Athletics website for more information on the team’s performance and upcoming games. In the end, the River Hawks’ loss to NJIT is a setback, but it’s not the end of the world. The team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and they have the talent to bounce back. With the right adjustments and a strong performance in their next game, the River Hawks can get back on track and make a run in the America East Conference. For more background, check out the umass lowell basketball Wikipedia page. Stay tuned for the latest news updates on the latest news updates. Post navigation Morocco vs Senegal: AFCON Final Showdown Morocco vs Senegal in AFCON Final: Clash of Titans