The Massachusetts Minutemen (1-2, 0-0 Atlantic 10) lost to the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs (3-0, 0-0 Conference USA) 76-66 on Wednesday night in the first-ever Icons of the Game. The Bulldogs have a 1-0 lead in the all-time series against the Minutemen.
The Minutemen started out trailing and dug themselves into a hole that had them down by 19 points at one point in the second half. UMass could not find ways to get baskets into the hoop and would commit turnovers at the worst possible times. In the second half, the Minutemen put their foot on the gas pedal and got the game to within five points with just over two minutes left in regulation. UMass could not close that gap any closer and ended up seeing the Bulldogs win by ten points.
The Minutemen had one player in double-figure scoring on Wednesday night. Jaylen Curry had 14 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds as the only player from UMass in double-digit scoring. Akil Watson had 9 points, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds, Daniel Hankins-Sanford had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal, Daniel Rivera had 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block, Malek Abdelgowad had 7 points and 5 rebounds, Nate Guerngomba had 7 points and 3 rebounds, Rahsool Diggins had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, Shahid Muhammad had 6 points, 3 blocks, and 1 rebound, and Jayden Ndjigue had 1 point and 2 rebounds to round out all scorers for the Minutemen.
UMass returns home to the Mullins Center to face the Hofstra Pride (3-0, 0-0 CAA) on Saturday, November 16th at 7pm. This will be the fifth meeting, and the Minutemen had a 3-1 lead in the series history over the Pride.
Featured Image: Sam Allard, UMass Athletics
Kaily “KG” Godek is a current student at Western New England University (WNE). She has been a supporter of UMass Athletics for over 15 years. Kaily focuses on both UMass Basketball teams and occasionally on the other Women’s Basketball teams in the conference. While writing for A10 Talk, she works in the athletic department at WNE. When she graduates from WNE she wants to go into either Sports Broadcasting and Journalism or Coaching. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
