If you love college hoops, you know that some teams just have a special kind of heart. That is exactly what we saw from umass lowell basketball this year. The 2025-26 season was a wild ride for the River Hawks. They faced tough teams, long road trips, and high-pressure playoff games. Through it all, the team showed they could compete with anyone in the America East Conference.
Watching the River Hawks play is always exciting because they never give up. Whether they were playing at the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex or on the road, they brought a “never-say-die” attitude. This season was a great example of how a group of players can grow together. Let’s dive into the details of their season and see what made this year so memorable for umass lowell basketball fans.
Table of Contents
Meeting the 2025-26 River Hawks Roster
The success of umass lowell basketball starts with the players on the court. This year’s roster was a perfect mix of veteran leaders and talented new faces. Junior guard Angel Montas Jr. really stepped up as a superstar, leading the team in scoring. Alongside him, senior Austin Green provided a massive presence in the paint, often dominating the boards.
The backcourt was led by Xavier Spencer and Darrel Yepdo. These two players were the engines of the offense. Spencer’s speed and defensive pressure made him a nightmare for opponents. Meanwhile, Yepdo’s vision helped him lead the team in assists. It was fun to watch these athletes develop a strong chemistry that helped them win big games late in the year.
Key Stats: A Look at the Numbers
When you look at the stats for umass lowell basketball, a few things jump out immediately. The team averaged about 75 points per game. They were one of the best rebounding teams in their conference, often winning the battle on the glass. This helped them get extra chances to score and limited their opponents to just one shot.
One of the most impressive stats was their shooting percentage. During their best stretches, the River Hawks shot over 50% from the floor. This shows they were patient and looked for high-quality shots. Defensively, they were scrappy, recording plenty of steals and blocks. These numbers tell the story of a balanced team that worked hard on both ends of the floor.
UMass Lowell Men’s Basketball: 2025-26 Player Stats
| Player Name | Pos | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Highlight |
| Angel Montas Jr. | G/F | 15.8 | 5.1 | 1.7 | All-Conference First Team |
| Austin Green | F | 13.2 | 8.0 | 1.2 | Led team in rebounds |
| Xavier Spencer | G | 11.9 | 4.4 | 2.9 | Started every single game |
| Darrel Yepdo | G | 10.3 | 3.1 | 3.2 | Led team in total assists |
| Shawn Simmons II | G | 6.7 | 5.1 | 1.1 | Top shot-blocker on team |
The Coaching Leadership of Pat Duquette
You cannot talk about umass lowell basketball without mentioning Head Coach Pat Duquette. Now in his 13th season, Duquette has built a culture of hard work and consistency. He is known for being a great teacher who helps players reach their full potential. This year, his coaching was put to the test during a rocky start to the season.
After winning only six of their first 16 games, many people might have counted the River Hawks out. However, Coach Duquette kept the team focused. They ended up winning six of their last eight regular-season games! This late-season surge proved that the players trusted his system. His ability to adjust during halftime was a big reason the team made a deep run in the playoffs.
A Thrilling Run in the America East Playoffs
The postseason is where umass lowell basketball truly shined. As the No. 4 seed, they hosted a quarterfinal game against UAlbany. It was a classic “thriller” in every sense of the word. The River Hawks actually trailed by 12 points in the second half! But they didn’t panic. They went on a huge 16-1 run to take the lead.
Thanks to 28 points from Angel Montas Jr., they secured an 81-76 victory. This win moved them into the semifinals for the third time in four years. Even though their journey ended in a tough loss to top-seeded UMBC, the playoff run showed everyone that the River Hawks belong among the elite teams in the America East.
Dominating the Glass: The Rebounding Factor
One secret to the success of umass lowell basketball this year was their rebounding. They led the America East with a +4.6 rebounding margin. This means they usually grabbed about five more rebounds than their opponents every game. In basketball, those extra possessions are like gold.
Austin Green was a beast on the offensive glass. He ranked near the top of the nation in offensive rebounds per game. By getting those “second-chance” points, the River Hawks were able to stay in games even when their outside shots weren’t falling. It was a physical style of play that defined their identity all season long.
The Home Court Advantage at Kennedy Complex
There is nothing quite like a home game for umass lowell basketball. The Kennedy Family Athletic Complex might not be the biggest arena, but it gets loud! The fans, the students, and the local community bring a lot of energy. This year, the River Hawks were very tough to beat on their home floor.
Coach Duquette often talked about how much the home crowd helped the team. During the playoff comeback against UAlbany, the energy in the building was electric. Playing at home gives the players an extra boost of confidence. It’s a place where they feel comfortable and ready to compete at their highest level.
All-Conference Honors and Recognition
Individual talent was also a big story for umass lowell basketball this year. Three players received All-America East honors. Angel Montas Jr. was a First Team selection, which is a huge deal. It means he was recognized as one of the best five players in the entire conference.
Xavier Spencer and Austin Green both earned Third Team honors. Seeing three players from one team get recognized shows how much depth the River Hawks had. These awards are a testament to the hard work the players put in during the off-season. It also highlights the program’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent.
Looking Back at Memorable Season Highlights
The 2025-26 calendar for umass lowell basketball was full of “wow” moments. There was the massive 122-73 win over Fisher College where everything seemed to go right. Then there was the dramatic overtime win against Sacred Heart earlier in the season. These games built the team’s character.
One of the biggest highlights was beating Maine on the road to finish the regular season. In that game, Angel Montas Jr. scored a career-high 33 points. Moments like that are what fans remember for years. Even the tough losses against big schools like UConn and Iowa provided valuable lessons that helped the team grow for conference play.
The Future of the River Hawks Program
What is next for umass lowell basketball? While some seniors will move on, the core of the team remains very strong. With many juniors and talented freshmen like JJ Massaquoi and Victor Okojie returning, the future looks bright. The program has established itself as a consistent winner in Division I.
Fans have a lot to be excited about. The “winning culture” is now firmly in place in Lowell. Each year, the team gets closer to that elusive NCAA Tournament bid. If they continue to play with the same heart they showed this season, it won’t be long before the River Hawks are dancing in March.
FAQs
1. Who is the head coach of UMass Lowell basketball?
Pat Duquette has been the head coach since 2013. He has led the team through its entire transition to NCAA Division I.
2. What conference does UMass Lowell play in?
The River Hawks are proud members of the America East Conference.
3. Where does the team play their home games?
Most home games are held at the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex, though they occasionally play at the Tsongas Center.
4. Has UMass Lowell ever won a national championship?
Yes! While they are still chasing a Division I title, they were the NCAA Division II National Champions in 1988.
5. Who was the leading scorer this season?
Junior Angel Montas Jr. led the team, averaging over 15 points per game.
6. How many players made the All-Conference team in 2026?
Three players were honored: Angel Montas Jr. (1st Team), Austin Green (3rd Team), and Xavier Spencer (3rd Team).
Conclusion
The story of umass lowell basketball this season was one of resilience. They proved that it doesn’t matter how you start; it matters how you finish. By sticking together and playing for each other, they turned a tough season into a memorable playoff run.
Are you ready to support the River Hawks next season? Whether you attend a game in person or watch online, your energy makes a difference. Let’s keep the momentum going!