Second-Half Struggles Doom Men’s Basketball in Loss to UMass Lowell

By Carter Schum  | February 10, 2026

Okechukwu Okeke recorded a double-double on Saturday (2/8). Photo Credit: Brent Warzocha / UAlbany Athletics

On Saturday, Feb.7, the University at Albany men’s basketball team was defeated 89-79 by the UMass Lowell River Hawks.

“Our effort wasn’t where it needed to be,” head coach Dwayne Killings said. 

Both offenses scored early, but the River Hawks took a 10-4 lead with 16:30 remaining, after making their first three field goals of the game. 

UMass Lowell continued their start, holding a 21-16 advantage with 12:19 remaining in the first half on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, in comparison to 6-of-10 for the Great Danes.

The River Hawks extended their lead to 29-23 with 9:51 remaining in the opening half. helped 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the 3-point line. 

UAlbany was unable to cut into the UMass Lowell lead, as with 7:40 remaining in the first half, the Great Danes trailed 30-25. 

UAlbany took their first lead of the game at the 5:35 mark when Okechukwu Okeke would throw down a one-handed dunk to give UAlbany a 31-30, bringing the crowd of 2009 fans to their feet. 

UMass Lowell responded, as Darell Yepedo used the glass to level the score at 34-34 with 3:09 remaining in the half. The River Hawks regained the lead at 37-34 with 2:20 left, benefitting from frequent trips to the free-throw line. 

The first half ended with the River Hawks up 39-38, as Okeke scored on a layup from just before time expired. Amir Lindsey led UAlbant with 13 points in the first half on 3-of-8 shooting from the field and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. 

Viktor Okoji was the leading scorer at the half for UMass Lowell with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field. 

UAlbany opened the second half with a 5-0 run to take a 43-39 lead at the 18:00 mark. Both teams traded leaders over the next several minutes, with the Great Danes holding a 47-46 advantage with 15:30 remaining. 

UMass Lowell increased its pace to retake a 57-51 lead with 11:44 left as UAlbany struggled at the free-throw line and on the boards. The River Hawks’ zone defense slowed down the Great Danes, who went three minutes without scoring as the lead grew to 63-51 with 9:54 remaining. 

The Great Danes were unable to cut the deficit, as UMass Lowell extended their lead to 69-57 with 6:56 remaining in the game. With 4:17 left, they would be up 78-62, maintaining control the rest of the game to secure an 89-79 win. 

Lindsey led the Great Danes in scoring with 23 points  and a team-high seven assists. Okeke recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaden Kempson added 18 points. 

Okojie led UMass Lowell with 22 points. 

The Great Danes fell to 8-17 overall, and 4-6 in America East play, while UMass Lowell improved to 10-15 overall and 5-5 in America East play.