The University of Massachusetts Minutemen men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting matchup against Central Michigan on Tuesday, February 3, at 7:00 p.m. The game will take place at the Mullins Center in Amherst, Massachusetts, marking the first time these two teams have faced each other.
The Minutemen are coming off a narrow victory against Eastern Michigan, winning 70-67, which brought their record to 5-6 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). In that game, graduate student Leonardo Bettiol shone with his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while also contributing three steals. Jayden Ndjigue had a standout performance as well, recording a career-high 19 points and finishing with four assists. Danny Carbuccia led the team in assists with six.
Central Michigan arrives at this contest fresh off a 62-59 win over Bowling Green, holding a record of 7-15 overall and 3-7 in the MAC. Under new head coach Andy Bronkema, who is in his first season, the Chippewas are currently looking to build on their recent success. Nathan Claerbaut leads the team with an average of 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, ranking 11th in the MAC for rebounding.
Under the guidance of Coach Frank Martin, now in his fourth season with the Minutemen, the team continues to show progress. Last season, the Minutemen recorded their best results since 2014, finishing with a 20-11 overall record. With standout performances from players like Bettiol and Carbuccia, the team is well positioned to face challenges in the MAC.
The Minutemen boast impressive statistics, holding opponents to a 29.2 shooting percentage from beyond the arc, ranking them first in the conference and 14th nationally. They also excel in rebounding, with a +5.7 margin that places them second in the MAC. Offensively, UMass ranks second in the MAC in assists per game at 17.4, showcasing their teamwork and sharing of the ball.
This upcoming game against Central Michigan will be crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their positions within the MAC. After facing the Chippewas, UMass will look ahead to a meeting with Coastal Carolina in Conway, South Carolina, on February 7. Fans can follow the action through live updates available on umassathletics.com and via social media at @UMassMBB.