UMass Lowell is rolling through America East basketball with a perfect 3-0 conference record, but NJIT arrives tonight looking to cause an upset. The River Hawks host the Highlanders at the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex at 6 PM ET, and Angel Montas Jr. has been absolutely on fire.
🔥 Quick Facts
- UMass Lowell Record: 8-10 overall, leads America East at 3-0
- NJIT Record: 7-11 overall, 2-1 in conference play
- Spread: UMass Lowell favored by 7.5 points
- Key Stat: River Hawks shooting 43%+ from field in last 15 consecutive games
Angel Montas Jr. Heating Up at Perfect Time
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Angel Montas Jr. is the story of the UMass Lowell season right now. The junior exploded for a career-high 27 points against Bryant just one week ago. After struggling with just two double-digit scoring games in his first 10 games, Montas has averaged 21.0 points in the last four games.
He earned the America East Player of the Week award twice in consecutive weeks, making him the most dangerous offensive weapon NJIT must contain tonight. Montas has registered back-to-back 20-point performances before his monster 27-point outing, signaling that the River Hawks have found their offensive rhythm at just the right moment.
Xavier Spencer Runs the Offense with Austin Green
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Xavier Spencer and Austin Green anchor the UMass Lowell offense with consistency and balance. Spencer averages 11.0 points per game while dishing out a team-high 54 assists and recording 22 steals. Green leads the team with 14.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Against Binghamton on January 10, Spencer scored 18 points while dropping four three-pointers in the first half alone. Green added 12 points and eight rebounds. The duo’s two-way versatility makes Kennedy Family Athletic Complex a fortress, where UMass Lowell is an impressive 5-1 this season.
Record vs. Record: UMass Lowell Seeks Perfect Start
| Factor | UMass Lowell | NJIT |
| Overall Record | 8-10 | 7-11 |
| Conference Record | 3-0 (1st) | 2-1 (3rd) |
| Home/Away | 5-1 home | 2-6 on road |
| Current Streak | Won 3 straight | Mixed recent form |
UMass Lowell can join an exclusive club with a victory. A previous 4-0 conference start occurred just two seasons ago in 2023-24. Head Coach Pat Duquette‘s squad appears poised to make another run, after shooting at least 43% from the field in each of the past 15 consecutive games.
“After logging just two double-digit scoring games in his first 10 outings this season, Angel Montas Jr. has been on fire as of late, averaging 21.0 points in the last four games.”
— UMass Lowell Athletics, Official Game Preview
Why NJIT Can’t Afford to Fall Behind Early
NJIT enters as a significant 7.5-point underdog, but that spread underestimates the challenge of winning on the road in America East play. The Highlanders struggle away from home, posting just a 2-6 record outside Newark. UMass Lowell has dominated teams at Kennedy Family Athletic Complex, boasting a remarkable 46-6 record at home over the past three seasons.
NJIT must generate early offensive energy and force UMass Lowell into an uncomfortable pace. If the Highlanders fall behind by double digits, the River Hawks are nearly impossible to chase down with their current shooting stroke and home-court advantage. The first half momentum will likely determine whether NJIT can hang around or fades in the second half.
Can NJIT Pull Off the Upset at Kennedy Complex?
What makes tonight’s matchup compelling is the talent mismatch contradicted by recent momentum in college basketball. NJIT has nothing to lose as a 2-1 conference underdog, while UMass Lowell carries the pressure of protecting first place and their undefeated America East record.
If Montas Jr. stays hot and Spencer controls the tempo, the River Hawks should coast. But in America East conference play, inconsistency kills teams. NJIT enters having split their last four matchups with UMass Lowell, with each team winning both home games. Will that trend hold, or does UMass Lowell‘s current hot streak guarantee an upset prevention at home tonight?
Sources
- ESPN – Live coverage and real-time game statistics
- UMass Lowell Athletics – Official game preview and team records
- America East Conference – Conference standings and official schedule
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.