Maine and UMass-Lowell square off in conference matchup
UMass-Lowell River Hawks (13-17, 8-7 America East) at Maine Black Bears (8-22, 6-9 America East)
Orono, Maine; Tuesday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Xavier Spencer and UMass-Lowell take on TJ Biel and Maine on Tuesday.
The Black Bears are 4-7 in home games. Maine is ninth in the America East with 19.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Ace Flagg averaging 3.5.
The River Hawks are 8-7 in America East play. UMass-Lowell is 8-3 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 11.9 turnovers per game.
Maine's average of 6.1 made 3-pointers per game is 1.4 fewer made shots on average than the 7.5 per game UMass-Lowell allows. UMass-Lowell scores 6.3 more points per game (75.1) than Maine allows (68.8).
The teams play for the second time in conference play this season. UMass-Lowell won the last matchup 91-77 on Jan. 31. Angel Montas scored 30 points to help lead the River Hawks to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Biel is scoring 12.0 points per game and averaging 4.3 rebounds for the Black Bears. Logan Carey is averaging 13.6 points and 2.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Darrel Yepdo is shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc with 1.6 made 3-pointers per game for the River Hawks, while averaging 10.2 points and 3.1 assists. Montas is averaging 18.5 points and 5.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Black Bears: 5-5, averaging 66.9 points, 20.5 rebounds, 14.3 assists, 8.6 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.2 points per game.
River Hawks: 5-5, averaging 73.5 points, 34.5 rebounds, 11.2 assists, 4.9 steals and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 73.6 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Slot on Wirtz, Gakpo's form and VAR inconsistency - Yahoo Sports Canada
Slot Discusses Wirtz, Gakpo, and VAR Inconsistencies
Slot told reporters that Wirtz is expected back from injury next week and that he must manage Jeremie Frimpong’s minutes carefully after a congested fixture list. He also highlighted Gakpo’s goal as a boost for the forward’s confidence, noting that attackers are judged on both scoring and defensive contribution.
When asked about VAR, Slot slammed the inconsistency of decisions, citing the red card for Maxence Lacroix and the missed penalty for Marc Guehi as examples. He warned that teams must not rely on VAR outcomes and must focus on playing their own game.
Netball Inter-Insular 2026 matches cancelled
The annual inter-island netball matches between Jersey and Guernsey have been cancelled for 2026.
A joint statement from the Guernsey and Jersey Netball Associations blamed logistical issues surrounding scheduling, eligibility and team selection processes.
Jersey's Team Jets currently play in the third tier of English club netball and are aiming for promotion, while Guernsey's Panthers play regional league netball in Sussex.
"Both associations recognise that the Inter-Insulars hold significant value for players, coaches, officials and supporters," a joint statement read.
"For that reason, the priority now is to strengthen the long-term development of the event rather than push ahead under unstable conditions.
"The logistical complexities of aligning calendars, facilities and representative squads across two islands have been a major factor.
"These challenges are shared by both associations in their own unique ways and resolving them requires time, collaboration and a more sustainable framework.
"Over the coming year, Jersey and Guernsey Netball will work closely together to review the current model and establish a clearer, more resilient structure for future Inter-Insular competitions."