The Massachusetts Minutemen (2-5, 0-0 Atlantic 10) defeated in-state rival the Harvard Crimson (2-5, 0-0 Ivy League) 62-54 on Wednesday afternoon. The Minutemen extend their lead in the series history 20-15 over the Crimson.
UMass changed up its starting lineup for the third time in the past four games. Jayden Ndjigue replaced Shahid Mohammad, who had replaced Malek Abdelgowad in the starting lineup last weekend. Abdelgowad (illness) and Marqui Worthy (family) did not travel with the team for the game on Wednesday, and shorten the Minutemen bench. Ndjigue returns to the starting lineup for the first time this season after starting in all of the games last season. The Minutemen had started a little sluggish, but midway through the first half UMass shifted into a new gear to tie the game up going into halftime. After halftime, Daniel Hankins-Sanford scored the only three-pointer for UMass and another key basket to give the Minutemen the lead, and they did not look back. Rahsool Diggins and Daniel Rivera also made key baskets down the stretch to keep the Crimson from trying to retake the lead. As a result, UMass was able to hold onto the lead and earn their second win of the season.
The Minutemen had four players in double-figure scoring on Wednesday afternoon. Hankins-Sanford had 14 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal, Diggins had 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, Rivera had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, and Jaylen Curry had 10 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals to round out scorers in double digits. Ndjigue had 6 points and 11 rebounds and Akil Watson had 6 points to round scorers for UMass.
UMass returns home to the Mullins Center to face the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Highlanders (1-7, 0-0 America East) on Sunday, December 1st at noon on ESPN+. This will be the second time these two teams meet, and the Minutemen have a 1-0 lead over the Highlanders in the series history.
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.
