KENSHIN OKUBO/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Sophomore John Papale scored 13 points in the men’s basketball team’s season opener against Northeastern.
After defeating Northeastern University Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, the Boston University men’s basketball team will host the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Wednesday night at Case Gym.
The clash between the Terriers (1-0) and the River Hawks (0-1) marks the first time that the teams have faced off since the 1985-86 season.
The Terriers come into the match hoping to ride the momentum from Sunday’s win. If BU can defeat the River Hawks, it would be the first time in that the team has started 2-0 on the year since the 2000-01 campaign.
The team will once again look to the stellar point guard play of sophomore Maurice Watson Jr., who led the team with 16 points, five assists and four rebounds against Northeastern. Sophomore guard John Papale also played a key role in Sunday’s game, scoring 13 points, including two clutch free throws. The Terriers are expecting a big contribution from freshman guard Cedric Hankerson, who started his collegiate career on Sunday with eight points off the bench.
Although the team is riding high after the weekend’s victory, BU coach Joe Jones said he believes that his squad still remains focused and ready to face the River Hawks.
“I really believe and trust in our players,” Jones said. “I think they understand that each and every day, you have to prepare yourself to be successful … We have great leadership from our seniors and we have a lot of experience coming back. I’m confident that we’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”
Pat Duquette, a former assistant coach at Northeastern University and Boston College, is in his first year as head coach at Lowell. The River Hawks return three starters from last year’s squad that went 15-13 in Division II play. This year also serves as the River Hawks’ first year as a Division I program in the America East Conference.
In the River Hawks’ first game of the season at No. 7/9 University of Michigan Friday, Lowell held strong. The teams went into halftime tied 23-23, but the Wolverines went on a 21-2 run to open up the second half and ultimately won the game 69-42. Lowell senior guard Akeem Williams led the River Hawks with 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Freshman Tyler Livingston came off of the bench to add 10 points and nine rebounds.
Last year, Williams averaged 19.9 points per game and 3.3 assists. Junior guard Chad Holley, who averaged 11.2 points per game last season, is another go-to player for the River Hawks. Holley found himself in foul trouble against the Wolverines, but was still able to record four points, four assists and a steal.
Perhaps good news for the Terriers is that the River Hawks play a similar style of basketball.
“I think they have pretty good play in their back court,” Jones said. “We’re similar in a way that they do a lot of pick and roll offense. I think they try to really compete on the defensive end. So I think it’s very similar. I hope that we have a little more experience than they do and hopefully that will play a part in the game.”
The game is particularly important for the Terriers, as it serves as the 2013-14 season home opener.
“I think it means a lot to our players,” Jones said. “It’s a big game for us. Every game is big, but I think this one is a little special because we get to come out and play in front of the home crowd for the first time. I think our guys will be ready to go. It should be a good, competitive game.”