Here are several recaps from Thursday night's 5-1 loss at No. 15 Wisconsin for the UMass hockey team. The Mass Attack and Badgers will face each other again on Friday night starting at 8 PM Eastern (7 PM CST).
MassLive.com: Wisconsin blitzes Minutemen, 5-1
Daily Hampshire Gazette: Badgers Ice UMass
USCHO.com: Turnbull's Surge Helps Wisconsin Drop UMass
Madison.com: Badgers Start Second Half Right Way
University of Massachusets Athletics
blog 2010 12
December 2010 Archives
Check out the previews of the UMass-BU Basketball game, Friday at 2 p.m.
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Lineup a question for UMass: Injuries to several players could leave UM short vs. BU
• Springfield Republican: Thrice would be nice as UMass looks for better 3-point shooting against BU
Continue reading Previews Of UMass-BU Basketball Game.
Women's basketball senior Cerie Mosgrove is featured in Marvin Pave's Globe West Sports Notebook on Boston.com today.
Normally a shooting guard, the 6-foot Mosgrove has seen time in the post because of injuries to the team's front court, and has responded by leading the Minutewomen in scoring and rebounding in four games while averaging 11.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, and chipping in with 4 blocks and 6 steals.
Read more of the notebook here.
Normally a shooting guard, the 6-foot Mosgrove has seen time in the post because of injuries to the team's front court, and has responded by leading the Minutewomen in scoring and rebounding in four games while averaging 11.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, and chipping in with 4 blocks and 6 steals.
Read more of the notebook here.
Here are a few stories on UMass basketball's next two opponents: Boston University (Friday at 2 p.m., in the Mullins Center) and Central Connecticut (Monday at 7 p.m., in New Britain, Conn.)
BU suffered a tough 82-81 loss to Quinnipiac last night, read about it here:
• Boston Globe: Last-second tip clips Terriers
• Boston Herald: John Holland's 31 can't save BU late
• New Haven Register: Rutty nets 26 as Quinnipiac holds off BU
• ESPN.com: Quinnipiac 82, Boston U. 81
Meanwhile, Central Connecticut won its third game in a row to move to 7-5 with a 67-51 win over Brown.
• Bristol Press: CCSU men paint winning picture (video)
• SportsPageMagazine.com: CCSU Men Win Third Straight, 67-51, Over Brown
• Providence Journal: Central Conn. 67, Brown 51: Bears outshot, outrebounded
• Hartford Courant: Ptacek, Horton Lead Central Past Brown
Our last UMass student-athlete birthdays for the year come on Dec. 30. Wishing Happy Birthdays to women's basketball freshman Millie Niggeling and men's lacrosse junior Greg Rushing.
The sports collisions that make UMass athletics doctor Pierre Rouzier cringe used to make people laugh. Big hits that left players wobbly on the football field were almost punch lines - as if the wide-eyed, dazed looks were the result of too many beers and not a potential brain injury. Slapstick humor drew laughs for decades from head injuries every time Curly or Larry took a frying pan in the forehead from Moe, and sports was not much different. But as study after study has shown the scary potential of long-term effects of head injuries, concussions are no longer a punch line. The Daily Hampshire Gazette has a wonderful and information series on concussion. Read the various stories here:
Justin Braun was sent down to the AHL Worcester Sharks on Wednesday prior to the San Jose Shark game against Minnesota Wednesday night. In 14 games with San Jose, he posted one goal and eight assists, which is third on the Sharks amongst defensemen. With Worcester this season, he has also totaled a goal and eight assists in 17 games played.
The UMass Sports Luncheon will be held today at 12:15 p.m., at the Campus Center on the 11th Floor. The guest speakers will be men's head coach Derek Kellogg and CBS 3 Station Manager John Hesslein. Join us for great talk, food and company at the UMass Sports Luncheon. Call 1-413-545-4930 for more information.
In the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has a UMass basketball notebook: Correia uncertain for Friday. University of Massachusetts coach Derek Kellogg said senior point guard Gary Correia seemed to be improving after a stomach ailment kept him out of last week's loss to Central Florida.
But Kellogg said the nature of the ailment hasn't entirely been determined yet and that Correia's status for Friday's 2 p.m. game against Boston University is still uncertain.
Continue reading Gazette: UMass Hoop Notebook.
Dick Baker has several new entries in his MassLive.com Hockey Blog as the Minutemen prepare to head to Wisconsin for a pair of games on Thursday and Friday (8 PM EST / FSN TV). UMass will have been off for 17 days prior to Thursday night's tilt against the 15th-ranked Badgers.
UMass products will be on the court together tonight in Denver as Gary Forbes' Nuggets host Marcus Camby and the Portland Trailblazers. Camby's status is unclear for this contest after he left Monday's victory in the third quarter with a sprained ankle. The center had 12 rebounds with four points and three blocks versus Utah.
Follow the game on NBA.com.
Be sure to get in on the action to claim your very own authentic game-worn UMass hoop jersey.
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In the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has his weekly Atlantic 10 notebook. He touches on various topics including Saint Louis basketball and info from around the nation.
Continue reading Gazette's A-10 Basketball Notebook.
In the Springfield Republican, Ron Chimelis has a story on how Derek Kellogg may use his lineup once the team reconvenes after a holiday break.
In the fall of 2009, University of Massachusetts men's basketball coach Derek Kellogg welcomed five freshmen, all of which are expected to play contributing roles now.
That list does not include his two primary low-post players, his leading scorer, his two pure point guards and a new player, Jesse Morgan, who became eligible last week. The task facing Kellogg is one of sorting out a rotation where the problem is not a shortage of players, but perhaps too many.
"I would like a little separation between guys. Right now, there's not a lot of separation between the fourth guy and the ninth,'' he said Monday.
UMass takes a 7-4 record, but a four-game losing streak, into Friday afternoon's home game against Boston University (5-7). Kellogg had hoped to have his players back on campus Sunday night, but blizzard conditions will delay some until Tuesday at the earliest.
Continue reading Republican: Tough Decisions With Hoop Lineup.
Here's a look at UMass' alums in action in the NFL over the holiday weekend.
- With the New York Jets, James Ihedigbo suffered an ankle injury in a 38-34 loss to the Chicago Bears and is expected to miss next week's game vs. the Buffalo Bills. Ihedigbo did not make a tackle in his limited action before the injury. Vladimir Ducasse dressed as a back-up lineman, but didn't play. The Jets clinched a playoff berth despite the loss as the Jaguars lost putting Gang Green into the postseason.
- In the Bengals' 34-20 win over the Chargers, to end their playoff hopes, Jeromy Miles played on special teams for the Bengals, and downed a punt.
- Jeremy Cain snapped 11 times on punts and kicks for the Jaguars in a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to the Redskins, which ended the Jags' hopes of a postseason berth.
- UMass' other NFL products didn't play: Victor Cruz on injured reserve with the Giants, Matt Lawrence on physically unable to perform list with the Ravens and Jeremy Horne on the practice squad with the Chiefs.
In this New England College Basketball Notebook by UMass alum Dan Duggan in the Boston Herald, the Minutemen are keeping an upbeat attitude despite four losses in a row.
After a 7-0 start, UMass has dropped four straight games. There could be a "here we go again" feeling in Amherst, but the Minutemen are staying optimistic.
"There's obviously disappointment that we're not coming away with victories, but at the same token, there's no sense of quit in the guys," coach Derek Kellogg said. "I think they still feel like we can make something happen this season."
One obvious cause of the slide is stiffer competition. The losses have come against BC, Maine, Seton Hall and No. 24 Central Florida.
UMass is a mostly young team, which has led to some inconsistency. But Kellogg is confident the underclassmen will continue to develop.
"All in all, I like where we are as a team and a program," Kellogg said. "My job is to get a consistent effort every single time out from all the guys."
Check out the UMass Hoops Insider Holiday Special Edition.
UMass' two products in the NBA both had a chance to showcase their skills to a national audience, playing in Christmas Day on ESPN. With the Portland Trailblazers, Marcus Camby returned to action after missing some games with an injury (shoulder). He started, scored seven points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a 109-102 loss at the Golden State Warriors.
With the Denver Nuggets, Gary Forbes played 16 minutes off the bench and scored six points in a 114-106 loss at the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Happy Birthday to Christmas Day born Brian Schmidt of the swimming & diving team and to football defensive lineman Courtney Jackson on Dec. 26.
Former UMass basketball star Tony Gaffney is in the news from afar. Playing in Turkey, Gaffney posted on his Facebook page that one of his former NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers, could be the future of Carmelo Anthony. Here are various stories from blogs.
Take a look back at the UMass 64-59 loss to No. 24 UCF at the Mullins Center in front of the largest home crowd of the season.
• Springfield Republican: Better late than never, Marcus Jordan helps UCF edge UMass
• Springfield Republican: Bad ankle can't keep guard Javorn Farrell out of the lineup
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Minutemen rally but fall to Central Florida
• Daily Hampshire Gazette Notebook: Strong game delivered by UMass freshman Putney
• Worcester Telegram: Feeble offense dooms UMass
• Boston Globe: UMass comes up short
• ESPN.com: UCF stays perfect by holding off Massachusetts
• Fox Sports.com: The new MJ
• MSNBC.com: MJ's son helps UCF win first game as ranked team
• SportsPage Magazine: UMass Falls to #24 UCF in Slugfest, 64-59
• Central Florida Future: Knights defeat UMass Minutemen, 64-59
• UCF Today: 11- 0 Knights on their way to a special season
On Dec. 23, we wish Happy Birthday to freshmen swimmer Anna Cavanaugh and football junior lineman Josh Samuda
The Minutewomen erased a 17 point deficit for a second consecutive game, en route to a win over Miami (Ohio) on Tuesday evening at the Mullins Center, a team that went into the contest riding a six-game winning streak and ranked No. 55 in RPI.
Read more on UMass women's basketball's thrilling win on both MassLive.com and in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Read more on UMass women's basketball's thrilling win on both MassLive.com and in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Here are various game previews at the Minutemen prepare to host a ranked non-conference foe on Wednesday night at the Mullins Center as 24th-ranked UCF comes to Amherst.
• Springfield Republican: UMass faces not just Michael Jordan's son, but a ranked and unbeaten opponent in Central Florida
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Undefeated Top 25 team visits UMass
• Boston Globe: Heir style
• Associated Press: Newly-ranked UCF set to take on UMass
• Boston Globe mention: Sully's Court: From now on, they're the Jordanaires
• Orlando Sentinel: The business behind UCF basketball
• Orlando Sentinel: UCF guard Isaac Sosa's sacrifices give him deep appreciation of Knights' success
• UCFSports.com: Rompza knew this team was special
• UCFSports.com: Herzog battling through adversity
Check out ESPN's Recruiting Blog with this great entry on UMass NLI signee Jordan Laguerre, who continues to improve his game.
The New Hampton School took the championship at this weekend's Mercer Invitational Tournament hosted by the Hill School, defeating the Berkshire School, the host Hill, and then the Landon School in the final. Laguerre took MVP honors, averaging just under 20 points per game on the weekend in 32-minute games played without a shot clock.
The tournament is just the latest in what has been a very strong start to the season for the UMass bound guard. Laguerre made an early commitment to UMass just prior to the beginning of this summer's live period and so his performances have tended to fly a little under the radar, but this is a guy who consistently outplays high-major prospects at virtually every stop and has the tools to be an impact addition in the Atlantic 10.
Continue reading ESPN Recruiting Blog: Jordan Laguerre Improving.
In recognition of its 35th-year anniversary, the Atlantic 10 Conference is unveiling 35 Years of A-10 History. Major accomplishments and features were collected from each year, and in the conference's No. 4 Highlight, the impact of the 1972 enactment of Title IX and the contributions of women's athletics to the Atlantic 10 is the focus.
Featured in the No. 4 Highlight is the incredible success experienced by the UMass softball program over the last 31 years under the guidance of head coach Elaine Sortino."Under Sortino's direction, UMass has accumulated 22 Atlantic 10 Conference titles and has never suffered a losing season. Sortino has proven her ability to produce exceptional talent during her 31-years at the helm, coaching 27 All-Americans, 13 A-10 Players of the Year, 16 A-10 Pitcher of the Year picks, eight A-10 Rookie of the Year honorees and 116 all-conference selections."
The Daily Hampshire Gazette and Matt Vautour have a trio of of basketball stories related to UMass basketball as the Minutemen prep for No. 24 UCF on Wednesday night at the Mullins Center.
Wishing a great birthday today to football All-American Tyler Holmes and cross country assistant coach Matt Clark.
In the latest preseason men's lacrosse poll, UMass is listed 19th by Lacrosse Magazine. UMass is 15th in Inside Lacrosse/Face-Off Yearbook. The preseason Coaches Poll has UMass at No. 19. Here is a list of Lacrosse Magazine's Preseason Poll.
1. Syracuse
2. Virginia
3. North Carolina
4. Stony Brook
5. Maryland
6. Princeton
7. Notre Dame
8. Duke
9. Hofstra
10. Cornell
11. Army
12. Johns Hopkins
13. Loyola
14. Denver
15. Georgetown
16. Villanova
17. Drexel
18. Delaware
19. UMass
20. Yale
2. Virginia
3. North Carolina
4. Stony Brook
5. Maryland
6. Princeton
7. Notre Dame
8. Duke
9. Hofstra
10. Cornell
11. Army
12. Johns Hopkins
13. Loyola
14. Denver
15. Georgetown
16. Villanova
17. Drexel
18. Delaware
19. UMass
20. Yale
UCF is ranked for the first time in school history at No. 24 in the AP Poll. Here are various stories on the Knights. Among the information is that Michael Jordan's son Marcus is expected to play after suffering a sprained ankle in the win over Miami.
• Central Florida News: UCF Basketball ranked in the top 25 for the first time
• Central Florida Future: UCF basketball ranked at 24 by AP
• KnightNews.com: UCF Knights Nationally Ranked No. 24 In Men's Basketball
• Tampa Bay Online: UCF hoops breaks into Top 25 for first time
• FanHouse.com: Marcus Jordan, UCF Turning Heads
• Orlando Sentinel: UCF basketball is ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in school history ...
• ESPN.com: Poll Thoughts: Where are you, UCF?
• CBS Sports.com: Central Florida cracks Top 25 for first time
Check out Ron Chimelis' story from the Springfield Republican on UMass push to sell more tickets to see the men's basketball squad.
The University of Massachusetts men's basketball team will play Central Florida on Wednesday night, a game matching two teams with a combined 17-3 record. The unbeaten visitors include Marcus Jordan, son of Michael. But a sparse crowd is expected, because at UMass home games these days, a sparse crowd is the rule.
UMass officials are more than baffled. They are worried, because basketball is still considered the school's flagship sport, in terms of image and revenue potential.
Continue reading Republican: UMass Searching For Fans.
In the Springfield Republican, Ron Chimelis has a story on Jesse Morgan, who finally became eligible to practice with the Minutemen on Sunday.
Morgan is a 6-foot-5, 180-pound guard from Philadelphia, Pa. Lured by the Big East, he initially signed a letter of intent with Seton Hall in nearby South Orange, N.J., in November of 2009, with plans to enter in the fall of 2010.
That is when his mother's reservations about the trouble of the city streets, and his own, kicked in. He never went to Seton Hall, instead spending part of last year at South Kent (a prep school in Connecticut), before enrolling at UMass for the start of the second semester.
Players frequently change their minds after making verbal commitments, but a change of heart after a signed letter of intent is rare. Because of this unorthodox path, Morgan had to sit out all of last year and the first semester of this season, as he squared up eligibility questions and solidified his academics.
Continue reading Republican Feature On Jesse Morgan.
Be sure to listen to tonight's Bud Light UMass Basketball Radio Show at 7 p.m. The show will air on 100.9 FM WRNX in Western Mass and 1510 AM The Zone in Eastern Mass. Note that Monday's show will NOT be open to the public at the Hangar due to a private party at the venue.
• If you have a question for Coach Kellogg, please send it in at Ask The Coach.
Check out the photo gallery on MassLive.com from the women's basketball team's thrilling come-from-behind victory over Wagner at the Mullins Center on Sunday afternoon.
Overcoming a 17-point second half deficit, the Minutewomen defeated Wagner, 72-69.
Overcoming a 17-point second half deficit, the Minutewomen defeated Wagner, 72-69.
Congratulations to former UMass women's basketball head coach Barbara Stevens of Division II Bentley University, who became the fifth coach in NCAA women's basketball to reach 800 victories yesterday.
The Falcons beat C.W. Post 93-60 on Sunday, putting Stevens in exclusive company. The only other coaches to reach 800 wins are Tennessee's Pat Summitt, former Texas coach Jody Conradt, Rutgers' C. Vivian Stringer and Sylvia Hatchell of North Carolina.
Read more from the Associated Press.
The Falcons beat C.W. Post 93-60 on Sunday, putting Stevens in exclusive company. The only other coaches to reach 800 wins are Tennessee's Pat Summitt, former Texas coach Jody Conradt, Rutgers' C. Vivian Stringer and Sylvia Hatchell of North Carolina.
Read more from the Associated Press.
Senior diver John Clark celebrates his birthday on Dec. 20. He r anks sixth all-time at UMass in the three-meter dive (302.93) and 10th all-time in the one-meter (266.32).
Check out UMass' alums in action in the NFL on Sunday.
• James Ihedigbo returned to action in the Jets' 22-17 huge win at the Steelers, after missing a game with a leg injury. Ihedigbo had a tackle on defense and played his usual impact role on special teams. Vladimir Ducasse dressed for the game for the Jets, but didn't play.
• In the Bengals' 19-17 win over the Browns, Jeromy Miles was in on a tackle that resulted in a forced fumble on kickoff.
• With Jaguars, in a 34-24 loss to the Colts, Jeremy Cain snapped seven times for the Jags on punts and kicks.
• UMass' other alums are not active at this time, with Matt Lawrence on the PUP list with the Ravens, Victor Cruz on the Giants' Injured Reserve. Jeremy Horne is on the Chiefs practice squad.
One of nine undefeated teams in the country comes to the Mullins Center on Wednesday night. The UCF Knights, who should be ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in school history, come off an 84-78 win over Miami on Saturday. UCF is now 10-0, which marks the program's best start since moving to Division I in 1984. Here are various stories on the Knights, including info on an injury to Michael Jordan's son Marcus, one of UCF's top players.
• Palm Beach Post: Commentary: Florida's win is big, but for now UCF is the pride of the Sunshine State
• Tampa Bay Sentinel: UCF (10-0) beats Miami, nears first ranking
• Florida Sun Sentinel: UCF beats Miami to move to 10-0
• Orlando Sentinel: Undefeated UCF hoops squad on verge of earning first Top 25 ranking in school
• Miami Herald: Second-half struggles hurt Miami Hurricanes in loss to UCF
• Central Florida Future: Undefeated UCF rolls past Miami, 84-78
• Florida Today: UCF men stay unbeaten; top Miami
The unbeaten 9-0 UCF Knights have a tough test tonight as Wednesday's UMass basketball opponent, takes on Miami (7-2), Saturday at 1 p.m. If you have a dish, the game is on FSN Florida. A win, will most likely mean a Top 25 ranking for UCF -- which would be the first in school history. Here are various stories on Donnie Jones' squad which features Michael Jordan's son Marcus, one of the team's top scorer. Michael's son, averages 15.2 points per game on 44.4 percent shooting from three-point range.
• Orlando Sentinel: Undefeated UCF hoops squad on verge of earning first Top 25 ranking in school
• Florida Today: Gators, Knights facing decisive basketball foes
• Miami Herald: DOUBLEHEADER SHOWCASE
• Palm Beach Post: Orange Bowl basketball showcase has NCAA tournament feel
• Florida Sun-Sentinel: A look at the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic
• ESPN Andy Katz' Weekend Watch: Katz's Weekend Watch
Former UMass star receiver Victor Cruz, the NFL preseason darling, wishes he could help the New York Giants in their postseason push, but he is on injured reserve despite being nearly recovered from a hamstring injury. Read stories on Cruz from the last few days, as he spoke at Giants practice.
• North Jersey.com: Giants notes: Victor Cruz almost healthy
• New York Daily News: Giants wideout Victor Cruz unfortunately can't help battered receiving corps
• Newark Star-Ledger: With Steve Smith out, Giants' receivers will be same as last game against Eagles
Best wishes for a great birthday to senior football player Woody Carter IV and freshman baseball player John McKenna.
Check out the latest edition of the UMass Hoops Insider for the weekend of Dec. 17-18 with a preview of the UMass-UCF Game set for Wednesday night at the Mullins Center. We also have a profile of freshman Jordan Couture, a look back at the Marcus Camby-Tim Duncan match-up at the Mullins Center from 1995, an Alumni Spotlight of Pete Trow and the Hu Ke Lau Lighter Side takes a look at the team's best non-athletic talents.
Check out this photo from the Denver Post from Thursday's Denver Nuggets narrow 113-112 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs' Tim Duncan, who had 28 points, shoots over Gary Forbes on Thursday night. (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post )
UMass alum and Amherst native James Ihedigbo was back in action with the New York Jets on Thursday and is expected to play in Sunday's pivotal AFC Clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Read about Ihedigbo in various media outlets.
• ESPN New York: Ihedigbo back, Gilbert promoted
• Newsday: A 100-yard Jets rusher an endangered species
• Wall Street Journal: James Ihedigbo Will Play Sunday
• North Jersey.com: Jets notes
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - University of Kentucky basketball coach and former UMass head coach John Calipari has been nominated for the inaugural United Nations Nongovernment Organization Positive Peace Awards in the coach category.
The group Celebrate Positive said Wednesday that Calipari was nominated by a charity called Samaritan's Feet that provides shoes to the needy around the world. Calipari helped bring shoes to children in Haiti and Detroit.
Samaritan's Feet marketing director Todd Melloch recalled Calipari appearing in bare feet during the national anthem at a Kentucky basketball game to encourage support of the group.
The award nominees are judged by organizations including Rotary International and Sister Cities International. Winners in the sports categories will be announced this month.
Today's birthday boys on Dec. 17 are freshman swimmer Andrew Goss and football senior tailback John Griffin
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog, the looks at UMass' RPI and has a mention of Greg Maulding scoring Colorado's first goal in a 4-3 win over Chicago.
With the midseason hockey break upon us, several media outlets have handed out grades for the college hockey teams around the country.
Hockey Journal: Hockey East Journal: Big Four ace midterms
Junior linebacker Tyler Holmes was named an All-American by The Associated Press Wednesday, giving the University of Massachusetts a first-team choice for the second consecutive year.
"It feels great to be picked. It says the hard work over the summer paid off,'' said Holmes, who moved from middle linebacker to an outside spot this season.
Here are a few stories on Holmes:
• Springfield Republican: AP names Holmes as a first-team All-American
• Boston Globe: UMass's Holmes is FCS All-American
• Boston Herald: UMass' Tyler Holmes an All-American
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Holmes named All-American
• The Associated Press: Moses, Eachus lead AP's FCS All-America team
Continue reading Stories On Holmes Being Named All-American.
Check out CBS 3 Springfield's feature on the UMass Athletic Department spreading cheer at the local Shriners Hospital.
Children spending the holiday in the hospital got a fun surprise today. UMass athletes made their annual trip to Shriners Hospital for Children , passing out toys to the kids. The trolleys they pulled looked a little like Santa's sleigh.
Athletes from several different UMass teams helped give hundreds of toys away. Basketball player, Sean Carter, says it's important to brighten the kids' day.
"These kids enjoy it. There's some things in life they really don't get a chance to do so it helps them know that people care about them," he says.
UMass collected the toys at Minutemen basketball and hockey games. Doctors and trainers from UMass' athletic department donated money to give Shriners Hospital for Children a red Wiii this year.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette has a great feature on basketball newcomer Jesse Morgan.
Jesse Morgan has been looking forward to next week's game, even before he knew who he'd be playing against.
Like every nonqualifier sitting out his freshman season, the first game has been the goal for what seems like an eternity when they first arrive.
But on Saturday, Morgan will have a locker and a University of Massachusetts men's practice uniform, a new pair of sneakers and teammates for the first time in a year. NCAA rules allow Morgan to begin practice as soon as finals end. If he's earned his 2.0 grade point average and his professors turn his grades in quickly, Morgan could make his Minuteman debut Wednesday against Central Florida at the Mullins Center.
"I'm really excited," Morgan said last week. "I've been waiting for a long time."
Continue reading Gazette: Highly-Touted Freshman To Join Hoop Team.
UMass Men's Lacrosse Cribs was made for a class project, by senior midfielder Mike Wilus. This is an inside look at some of the UMass lacrosse players house off campus.
Zoe Judd, one of UMass head coach Bob Newcomb's women's swimming NLI signees for the 2011-12 season was honored by being named Boston Globe All-Scholastic. The Acton-Boxborough High School senior is a repeat All-Scholastic honoree. Judd won both the 50 free and 100 free at the Division 1 state meet this fall and will be a freshman at UMass next season.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette has a basketball notebook updating several topics including Hashim Bailey's suspension. Also, Sean Carter will be among a sizable contingent of UMass student athletes that will deliver presents to kids at the Shriners Hospital in Springfield this afternoon.
Continue reading Gazette Basketball Notebook.
Former UMass All-American and current L.A. Kings starting goalie Jon Quick is featured on the club's website in their "My Story" series. Quick says his story started when he was five-years old in Hamden, Conn. Click Here to read the whole story.
By Jonathan Quick | Special to LAKings.com
Hamden is where I have lived my whole life. Most of my memories at an early age revolve around the second year I skated. I played defense then and I wondered if I would still remember how to skate. I was nervous as heck going out there, but I took one step on the ice and was pleased that I still remembered how.
I played defense for only two years. I grew up with many kids my age and we played street hockey. I always wanted to play goalie during street hockey. Later I told my parents I wasn't going to play hockey unless they let me be goalie.
Hamden is where I have lived my whole life. Most of my memories at an early age revolve around the second year I skated. I played defense then and I wondered if I would still remember how to skate. I was nervous as heck going out there, but I took one step on the ice and was pleased that I still remembered how.
I played defense for only two years. I grew up with many kids my age and we played street hockey. I always wanted to play goalie during street hockey. Later I told my parents I wasn't going to play hockey unless they let me be goalie.
If you're a fan of UMass hoops & hockey, then today's UMass Sports Luncheon will be the place for you as we have all three head coaches as guest speakers today. Men's basketball head coach Derek Kellogg, women's basketball coach Sharon Dawley and hockey head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon will each update you on their respective teams starting at 12:15 in Room 1009 of the Campus Center. The luncheon offers a full salad-to-dessert buffet for just $11.
Sixteen games into what appears to be his big break in the NHL,
28-year-old rookie Greg Mauldin on Tuesday absorbed another reality pinch.
His locker stall at the Colorado Avalanche's practice facility used to belong to legendary center Joe Sakic.
"I'm really honored," Mauldin said when told of the significance of the corner stall. "Obviously you look up to him. If you didn't look up to him, you better find a new line of work."
In Dick Baker's latest MassLive.com Hockey Blog, he looks at Mike Pereira's numbers as he leads UMass in scoring and plus-minus. He also mentions the ticket office's holiday ticket specials and mentions a feature article from the Catholic Mirror on head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon.
Gary Forbes continues to be a hot topic in the media as he was interviewed for a Q&A piece in USA Today. Nice stuff with a mention of him, Dr. J, and UMass.
A quartet of UMass student-athlete birthdays on Dec. 14: graduate student swimmer Shannon Archer, sophomore sprinter Emma Riedel and freshman soccer defender Annie Ward.
It was a career night for former Minuteman Jonathan Quick as he made a career-high 51 saves to post his 10th career shutout in a 5-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings last night.
L.A. Kings: King of the Night
Quick Highlight Saves
A couple of entries in Dick Baker's blog as he mentions Jonathan Quick's 51 save shutout performance for the Kings last night and takes a look at the hockey season through Christmas break.
UMass junior midfielder Anthony Biscardi is on the All-CAA Preseason Team according to Face-Off Magazine. UMass is picked fourth in the CAA based on a coaches' vote. Read the story on Inside Lacrosse.
1. Delaware
2. Hofstra
3. Towson
4. UMass
5. Drexel
6. Penn State
7. St. Joseph's
Continue reading Biscardi On Face-Off Preseason All-CAA Lax Team.
We are sad to announce the passing for former UMass four-sport athlete Dick "Bear" Riley, class of 1960, who died on Dec. 6, 2010.
Riley was an All-Yankee Conference tackle and three-year starter in football. He also medaling in the New England Collegiate Heavyweight Wresting Championships.
Riley was also a letterman in lacrosse for Coach Dick Garber and lettered in track throwing the hammer for Coach Bill Footrick .
Read his full obituary by reading below or in the Nashua Telegraph.
Continue reading 4-Sport Letterman Dick "Bear" Riley Passes Away.
Former UMass star and Brooklyn native Gary Forbes had a feature story in the New York Daily News.
It wasn't a good omen for Gary Forbes, the Brooklyn product who played his first pro game at the Garden Sunday as a 25-year-old rookie.
Before the Knicks beat Forbes' Nuggets, 129-125, Spike Lee, the denizen of all things Brooklyn, admitted to the Daily News that he had never heard of Forbes, who starred at Banneker High in Fort Greene.
Maybe he should have known him since Forbes' team lost to Sebastian Telfair and Lincoln in the 2003 PSAL city championship game at the Garden. Lee famously chronicled Coney Island's Lincoln High in his film, "He Got Game."
While Telfair jumped from Lincoln to the NBA, Forbes took a meandering journey to the pros, through a pair of high schools, two colleges, Italy, Israel, the NBA Development league and finally to the Denver Nuggets this season.
Continue reading Forbes Featured In New York Daily News.
At last week's men's basketball game against Maine, the UMass Rowing team held a halftime boat dedication ceremony for former student-athletes Michelle Borkhuis and Wendy Wilbur. Both athletes helped lay the foundation during the first years of the rowing team, which has won 13 Atlantic 10 Championships.
Wilbur and Borkhuis each competed on the United States National team as Wilbur raced from 1997-2002 and Borkhuis from 1997-1998 and again from 2001-2002. They each were also named USRowing Academic All-Americans in 1995.
For a link to the photo gallery from last week's ceremony, click here.
Wilbur and Borkhuis each competed on the United States National team as Wilbur raced from 1997-2002 and Borkhuis from 1997-1998 and again from 2001-2002. They each were also named USRowing Academic All-Americans in 1995.
For a link to the photo gallery from last week's ceremony, click here.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog, he recaps the Maine loss including the play of Kevin Czepiel. He also has updates on Mike Kostka with the Rochester Americans and Matt Irwin with the Worcester Sharks.
So much for the importance of UMass hockey scoring the first goal
So much for the importance of UMass hockey scoring the first goal
Kevin Czepiel of Holyoke shines in center of faceoff circle for UMass hockey against Maine
UMass hockey happenings: Post-game notes from Maine game
Former UMass hockey defenseman Matt Irwin is third star in Worcester win
Former UMass hockey defenseman Mike Kostka has big night for Rochester in AHL
In the Daily Hampshire Gazette writer and professor John Stifler has a great first-person story on UMass senior wide receiver Anthony Nelson. Stifler writes about teaching Nelson, an Academic All-American, in his economics class.
I've been teaching at UMass since 1984 and just about every semester I get at least three or four varsity athletes in my classes.
This year, I got to teach a very good wide receiver who is also such a good student that ESPN last month named him to its Academic All-American first team. I refer to Anthony Nelson, a senior from Wellington, Fla., who transferred to UMass last year from Hofstra after Hofstra dropped its football program, and who promptly made an enormous impact with the Minutemen.
Continue reading Gazette: Pleasure To Teach Student-Athlete Nelson.
Take a look back at Seton Hall's 104-79 win over UMass on Saturday.
• Springfield Republican: The spirit is willing, but the defense is weak for UMass in 104-79 loss to ...
• Boston Globe: Seton Hall hammers Minutemen
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Seton Hall sets Mullins Center points record in big win over Minutemen
• Worcester Telegram: No 'D' dooms UMass to loss
• Newark Star-Ledger: Seton Hall uses balanced scoring to ease past Massachusetts
• WWLP NBC22: Seton Hall decks UMass
• The Examiner: Seton Hall men rout UMass
• South Orange Juice: Seton Hall Basketball: JP's 5 Thoughts- Threes, Assists, Herb, Keon, Cupcakes ...
Happy Birthday on Dec. 13 to freshman kicker Brendon Levengood and women's lacrosse freshman Kelsey McGovern
A tough one up in Orono yesterday as the Minutemen lost 4-1 to No. 8 Maine snapping a four-game unbeaten streak.
Portland Press Herald: Flynn's hat trick propels UMaine
Maine Hockey Journal: Flynn's hat trick lead Maine past UMass
Portland Press Herald: No. 6/8 Maine 4, Massachusetts 1 Notebook
The Maine Campus: Men's hockey rebounds for win over Minutemen
Bangor Daily News: Flynn helps Maine bounce back
Springfield Republican: UMass' hockey team gets iced by Maine
Postgame Interview:
The Mass Attack is up in Maine for a Sunday Afternoon matchup with the No. 8 Black Bears at 4 PM today. Here are some previews of the game from various media outlets:
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass Hockey Plays At Maine
Masslive.com: UMass plans to show some Power against Black Bears
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass Hockey Plays At Maine
Masslive.com: UMass plans to show some Power against Black Bears
The Berkshire Eagle has a feature story on UMass star Gary Forbes, who has been playing a vital role with the Denver Nuggets. He returns to his hometown on Saturday at play against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
"Every day, every game, every practice," Forbes said with a smile. "First one in, last one out. That's what Coach [Travis] Ford taught me.
His 1,128 points put him 28th all-time at UMass, not bad for a guy who played only two seasons. He was the Atlantic 10 Conference player of the year for the 2007-08 season, and helped lead the Minutemen to a berth in the NIT championship game at Madison Square Garden. He still talks to Ford, now at Oklahoma State, two or three times a month.
Continue reading Berkshire Eagle: Forbes Trying To Make Mark.
Justin Braun, Greg Mauldin and Jon Quick each appeared in games for their respective NHL teams on Saturday. Braun, playing with the San Jose Sharks, logged over 17 minutes of ice time and assisted on the overtime goal which gave the Sharks a 2-1 win over defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago. Braun now has a goal and six assists in nine games this season.
Mauldin appeared in his 15th game with Colorado last night, and had two shots on goal to help the Avalanche to a 3-2 overtime win in Washington. Mauldin had 17 shifts for 12 minutes of ice time during even strength and shorthanded situations. Mauldin has four goals and four assists, along with a plus-7 rating this season.
Quick was between the pipes for Los Angeles last night, which suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to Minnesota. Quick face 21 shots during the game, making 18 saves. Quick is 14-5-1 this season with a 1.92 goals against average and .927 save percentage.
Mauldin appeared in his 15th game with Colorado last night, and had two shots on goal to help the Avalanche to a 3-2 overtime win in Washington. Mauldin had 17 shifts for 12 minutes of ice time during even strength and shorthanded situations. Mauldin has four goals and four assists, along with a plus-7 rating this season.
Quick was between the pipes for Los Angeles last night, which suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to Minnesota. Quick face 21 shots during the game, making 18 saves. Quick is 14-5-1 this season with a 1.92 goals against average and .927 save percentage.
Best wishes for a great birthday to men's basketball director of operations Andy Allison and field hockey freshman Molly MacDonnell
Here are the game previews and stories heading into Saturday's clash with Seton Hall at the Mullins Center.
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Message heard, Minutemen seek better performance
• Springfield Republican: Lineup changes may be in store for UMass basketball team Saturday
• South Orange Juice: Seton Hall Basketball: JP's Scouting Report- Massachusetts Minutemen
• Daily Collegian: UMass to play 7 games over winter break
UMass alum Gary Forbes had one of his best games in the NBA as one its coaches won his 1000th career game. Forbes made 7-of-8 from the floor to tally 15 points and also grabbed six rebounds in 24 minutes as the Nuggets gave George Karl his 1000th career win with a 123-116 victory at Toronto. Forbes had 13 of his 15 points in the third quarter alone.
Here are some stories on the game with mentions of Forbes:
• Toronto Globe & Mail: Nuggets get milestone win over Raptors
The Brooklyn native, Forbes plays his first game in his hometown of New York City at the Knicks on Sunday at 12 p.m.
Forget the Maine.
That would be the preferred rallying cry for the University of Massachusetts men's basketball team, which fell flat in Wednesday's 68-56 loss to Maine, and now faces Seton Hall at the Mullins Center.
Read the Springfield Republican's preview of the UMass-Seton Hall game on Saturday.
Continue reading Republican: Lineup Changes May Be In Store For UMass.
The Bleacher Report has a story on UMass basketball and the team's early season start.
The University of Massachusetts basketball team started 7-0, with the help of senior guard Anthony Gurley and contributions from the sophomore class, but perhaps their record wasn't indicative of how good the team really is. The Minutemen have since dropped their last two contests, and will be facing a pivotal point in their non-conference schedule with back-to-back quality opponents coming to Amherst in the coming weeks, where they'll have the chance to prove how serious a threat they are as the conference season approaches.
Continue reading Bleacher Report: UMass At Turning Point.
Happy Birthday to this trio, celebrating on Dec. 10: tennis freshman Jessica Podlofsky, soccer senior Chris Vaccaro and junior track jumper Daniel Wu.
Tom Fargo of the Dedham Transcript has a great story on Dedham, Mass. natives Katie Kelly and Sydney Stoll wrapping up their successful athletic careers at UMass in field hockey and soccer, respectively.
"Former Dedham High stars Katie Kelly and Sydney Stoll each left Whiting Avenue as the all-time leading scorers in their signature sports. But beyond their knack for producing goals, it was a relentless drive that made them stand apart in Marauder uniforms on the field hockey and soccer pitches."
Throughout the rest of the year, UMassAthletics.com will bring you a series of Meet The Player videos for the hockey team. Our first is on Troy Power. Be sure to check back regularly as the season marches on!
Dick Baker continues his weekend preview series of the Maine game, takes a look around the league, and brings us updates on Casey Wellman and Justin Braun in today's MassLive.com Hockey Blog.
HockeyJournal.com writer and UMass alum Andrew Merritt mention's UMass four-game unbeaten streak in his weekly Hockey East column. He writes that "the key to UMass' success has been freshman Michael Pereira who has 11 points (6 goals) in the past eight games."
Pete Vasquez of the Daily Collegian looks at UMass schedule over winter break starting with Sunday's match-up at Maine (4 PM) and then the pair of games at Wisconsin at the end of December. An interesting note about the Wisconsin series is that head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon's first two games as the UMass bench boss were against the Badgers 11 years ago.
There's no place like the Mullins Center for the holidays.
As the University of Massachusetts campus empties out as students travel to their various destinations, the Massachusetts men's basketball team will play a slew of games over winter break.
The upcoming games will be key for the Minutemen (7-2) who have lost two consecutive games - against Boston College on Dec. 4 and against Maine on Wednesday. Aside from trying to snap its recent losing streak, UMass will also begin Atlantic 10 plays to close out the break.
Here is Herb Scribner's preview of the games in the Daily Collegian.
Continue reading Daily Collegian Previews UMass Games Over Break.
On Bengals.com, Jeromy Miles' play on special teams is cited, as he has made an impact in his two games with the squad.
More remarkable is that the punt coverage team that has gone through a lot more changes with the injuries to the cornerbacks. They are ranked first in the NFL and have gotten a lift from rookie free agent safety Jeromy Miles when he came off the practice squad to be a gunner against the Jets to replace the injured Rico Murray and made two tackles and drew two penalties.
Continue reading Miles' Contributions Mentioned On Bengals.com.
A trio of birthdays today on Dec. 9 including hockey captain Paul Dainton, softball's Cyndil Matthew and lacrosse sophomore Bobby Tyler.
In his return to the state of Massachusetts as a pro player Gary Forbes drew his third-career start for the Denver Nuggets, and tallied four points in a loss to the Celtics at the TD Garden. Here are various stories on the game.
• Denver Post: Nuggets vs Celtics
• NBA.com: Nuggets-Celtics notebook
• Boston Globe: Celtics take a little cruise, Garnett offers explanation to Karl
• Worcester Telegram: Big Three come up huge for C's
• ESPN Blog: Home sweet home
Take a look back at what the media is writing after UMass' 68-56 loss to Maine at the Mullins Center on Wednesday.
• Springfield Republican: UMass' 68-56 loss to Maine was an unfortunate Back to the Future Reminder
• Springfield Republican: There's pain from Maine as Black Bears shock Minutemen
• Springfield Republican: UMass' Terrell Vinson plays on despite foot injuries
• Daily Collegian: UMass drops 2nd-straight game to Black Bears at Mullins
• Daily Collegian: Shooting woes plague Minutemen against Black Bears
• Worcester Telegram: Black Bears apply chill on Minutemen
• Boston Globe: UMass reaches new low
• Morning Sentinel: Black Bears win at UMass
• Bangor Daily News: UMaine men's basketball stuns UMass
• WWLP 22 NBC: UMass drops 68-56 decision to Maine
• ESPN: Maine 68, Massachusetts 56
It was a wild one last night for Justin Braun and the San Jose Sharks who needed three third-period goals to force overtime and a shootout for the win over Philadelphia. Braun set-up San Jose's third goal of the night to make the score 4-3 in favor of Philly before the Sharks were able to tie the game with 8:32 left in regulation.
Braun finished the game with an assist, a -1 rating and played nearly 16 minutes in the game. So far this season, he has played in 7 games with 1 goal, 5 assists and a +1 rating. Over the last five games in has a point in all but one.
Dick Baker continues to preview Sunday's big hockey game at Maine (4 PM) and looks at the successful season UMass alum Matt Anderson is having with the Albany Devils.
UMass alum and 2008 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Gary Forbes will be on ESPN tonight as the Denver Nuggets are playing at the Boston Celtics. ESPN requested extra information and photos on Forbes from his days at UMass to be featured on the broadcast. Be on the look out during the broadcast.
Follow the game on NBA.com.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette has a look at tonight's UMass-Maine basketball game.
Daryl Traynham's foot, ankles for both Javorn Farrell and Terrell Vinson - they're all healthy enough to play but problematic enough to keep three key players in the University of Massachusetts' rotation well below 100 percent.
After Saturday, the Minutemen will have 10 days between games, allowing coach Derek Kellogg to rest some of his players as they focus on final exams.
Until then he's hoping his players can keep grinding through two more games at the Mullins Center, tonight against Maine (7 p.m.) and Saturday against Seton Hall.
Continue reading Gazette: Dinged-Up UMass Hosts Maine.
On his MassLive.com blog last night, Dick Baker wrote about how he feels a second-half slide for the UMass hockey team is unlikely this year given the team's progression and the way the schedule is set up for January.
In addition to the schedule being reasonable, the young UMass team is likely to be getting better as it goes along, as it has already. So maybe this year will be a reverse, a slow start, and a strong ending.
From the home office in Wakefield, Massachusetts, here are the top 10 surprises in Hockey East this year.
10. Massachusetts freshman Michael Pereira leads the Minutemen in scoring.
Hey, we all knew there would be new names atop the UMass stat sheets after the departures of James Marcou, Casey Wellman, Justin Braun, Will Ortiz, and Matthew Irwin. Even so, you had to figure T.J. Syner would be the new top dog. Instead, Pereira has taken that title in the early going.
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/hockey-east-blog/2010/12/08/the-top-10-surprises-in-hockey-east/#ixzz17WI53dYP On a University of Massachusetts men's basketball team with its share of question marks, one has stood out since Chris Lowe graduated in 2009.
Point guard.
But, as UMass takes a 7-1 record into Wednesday night's game against Maine (2-5), the concerns about this key spot are being erased by three distinctly different players.
"I think the point guard spot is a microcosm of our team. The guys have done a good job, they have all been somewhat effective in their own ways. but there is still a lot of room for improvement,'' coach Derek Kellogg said.
Read the full story in the Springfield Republican.
Continue reading Republican: UMass Looking For The Points.
Here are two stories on the UMass-Maine basketball game on Wednesday night at the Mullins Center.
On Masslive, Scott Coen wrote a brief story about the one shining moment for the Jets in Monday's demolition by the Patriots. UMass alum James Ihedigbo had a sack for 12 yards on Tom Brady.
Continue reading Masslive: Ihedigbo Provided Jets' Lone Highlight.
In the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has a column on a great idea for playing a Boston tripleheader of basketball at the TD Garden.
hey were the circle-on-the-calendar days on the Philadelphia college hoop calendar. Palestra Tripleheaders - the city's six Division I teams all playing each other in back-to-back games at the city's historic old basketball cathedral.
For one Saturday afternoon, no matter what was going on with the Flyers or Sixers, Philly's sports focus was firmly on college basketball.
It could happen in Massachusetts.
Justin Braun had the primary assist on the game-tying goal as San Jose used a three-goal second period to defeat the Detroit Red Wings last night. Braun's assist was actually a shot that was tipped in by Niclas Wallin to tie the game nearly 5 minutes into the 2nd period. The Sharks scored three more goals after that to win 5-2. Overall, he had three shots and nearly 17 minutes of ice time (including over 6 minutes on the power play and penalty kill units).
In today's MassLive.com Hockey blog, Dick Baker looks at UMass' recent win streak and where it positions the Minutemen heading into the Maine game. Speaking of Maine, Dick also looks at the recent series history between the two clubs. Finally, Dick writes about the resurgence of the UMass forwards in the scoring column after the blueliners had been scoring most of the points recently.
After a scoreless night in his return to the Bay State last Wednesday in a loss at the Celtics and another at Washington last Friday, UMass Hall of Famer Marcus Camby posted a double-double with 12 points and 19 rebounds for the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday night in a 100-91 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
For the season, Camby is averaging 6.1 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Blazers. He ranks sixth in the NBA in rebounding.
Check out the Plays Of The Week for Nov. 29 through Dec. 5!
Rochester Americans PJ Fenton, Mike Kostka, and Triston Grant will be out and about this week in the Rochester community. Fenton and Kostka will be visiting local libraries to read and teach the importance of education to youthful hockey fans and their parents. Grant will be attending a youth practice to skate and run drills with the Mite team tonight at the Webster Ice Arena (865 Publishers Parkway) at 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Fenton will be reading at the Parma Public Library (7 West Avenue) tonight at 6:30 p.m. to read the book, "Z is for Zamboni". Kostka will be at the East Irondequoit Public Library (2180 East Ridge Rd) tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
Fenton will be reading at the Parma Public Library (7 West Avenue) tonight at 6:30 p.m. to read the book, "Z is for Zamboni". Kostka will be at the East Irondequoit Public Library (2180 East Ridge Rd) tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
The "Reading Power Play" allows fans to meet players and The Moose, while also learning about hockey and the importance of reading. The program also rewards kids for reading and selects two grand-prize winners that will win dinner, suite tickets and the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial puck drop prior to Rochester's home game on Sunday, February 13th against the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The second half of "Reading Power Play" enters kids into a grand-prize drawing. Using a hat trick as a thematic vehicle, youth participants fill out a form for every three books they read, which then qualifies them for an entry into the grand prize drawing.
Senior Anthony Gurley will be the player guest on tonight's UMass Basketball Radio Show At The Hangar. Join us at 7 p.m. Also, send in a question for Coach Kellogg.
"Shaq" is on the run, and the University of Massachusetts women's basketball program is on the rise under new head coach Sharon Dawley.
Disregard the 1-7 record, which includes Sunday's much-better-than-expected showing in a 93-80 defeat against unbeaten and Top 25-bound Boston College (8-0) at the Mullins Center, as there are too many positives to allow for negativity. Click here to read more of Dick Baker's great piece on MassLive.com, covering Sunday's game against the Eagles and focusing on the emergence of sophomore Shakia Robinson.
The Daily Collegian also has a recap of the game, as well as a nice sidebar on Robinson.
Disregard the 1-7 record, which includes Sunday's much-better-than-expected showing in a 93-80 defeat against unbeaten and Top 25-bound Boston College (8-0) at the Mullins Center, as there are too many positives to allow for negativity. Click here to read more of Dick Baker's great piece on MassLive.com, covering Sunday's game against the Eagles and focusing on the emergence of sophomore Shakia Robinson.
The Daily Collegian also has a recap of the game, as well as a nice sidebar on Robinson.
Look back at the UMass 76-71 loss to BC before more than 10,600 fans at the TD Garden. We have many new stories from Monday morning, check the revised list.
• Boston Globe: Jackson stands tall after taking a seat
• Boston Globe: How 'bout a little support around here?
• Springfield Republican: The unbeaten streak ends, but UMass goes down fighting in 76-71 loss
• Springfield Republican: For Flint and Kellogg, friendship is only a text message away
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: First-half woes doom Minutemen to first loss of season
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Freshman point guard returns for UMass
• Boston Herald: Eagles A-OK against UMass on parquet
• Worcester Telegram: Fast Boston College start holds off UMass
• Daily Collegian: Undefeated streak comes to an end
• Daily Collegian: Rough first half dooms Minutemen
• WWLP NBC22: B.C. hands UMass its first loss
• WEEI.com: Jackson, Trapani lead BC past UMass
• Washington Post: Jackson leads Boston College over UMass 76-71
Yale won its game yesterday against Union meaning the Bulldogs are unbeaten in 5 games. That moves UMass into a tie for 2nd place with a 4 game unbeaten streak. Still not bad considering two weeks ago the Minutemen were the only team in the country without a win.
Current Unbeaten Streak: W- L- T Games Yale 5- 0- 0 5 Minnesota State 4- 0- 0 4 Massachusetts 3- 0- 1 4 New Hampshire 3- 0- 1 4 North Dakota 3- 0- 1 4 Bemidji State 3- 0- 0 3 Boston College 3- 0- 0 3 Clarkson 3- 0- 0 3 Colorado College 3- 0- 0 3 Dartmouth 3- 0- 0 3 Cornell 2- 0- 1 3
After some recent struggles in L.A., the Kings are coming up with a new plan for their goaltenders after previously having a schedule rotation through January.
The Worcester Sharks have some YouTube videos of Justin Braun's on-the-fly call-up to the NHL from the other week.
The Boston Globe has a feature story on the recent success of Greg Mauldin in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche.
The Daily Collegian has its recap of the 5-2 win over Lowell on Saturday afternoon along with a sidebar on how the improved penalty kill has helped the hockey team's recent success.
In his two-year journey to the NBA, former UMass swingman Gary Forbes soaked in the experience of being a basketball nomad. He traveled to Europe, Asia, and South America, playing with several teams, some stable, some near collapse. He returned to the United States to play in the NBA D-League, then headed back overseas for more résumé building.
His quest to reach the NBA was completed last month when he was a surprise addition to the Denver Nuggets, and the team's only rookie has seized the opportunity, averaging 6.2 points in 12.7 minutes per game.
Forbes will make his return to the Bay State Wednesday with the Nuggets, looking to show the region that UMass remains capable of producing NBA-caliber players.
The Boston Globe has a great story on Forbes.
Continue reading Boston Globe: Forbes Time Has Come In NBA.
Ron Chimelis has a nice feature in the Springfield Republican about UMass coach Derek Kellogg and Drexel coach Bruiser Flint. The former UMass guard and Minuteman coach connect via texting. Check out the story.
"Derek Kellogg and I talk once or twice a week. And, we text,'' said Bruiser Flint, whose Drexel Dragons beat Northeastern 63-58 in Saturday's doubleheader opener at TD Garden.
Continue reading Republican: Kellogg & Flint Connect Through Texting.
Happy Birthday to baseball sophomore Rich Graef on Dec. 6.
After entering the Vermont game as the only team in the country without a win, the UMass hockey team is now tied for the nation's longest unbeaten streak:
Current Unbeaten Streak: W- L- T Games Minnesota State 4- 0- 0 4 Yale 4- 0- 0 4 Massachusetts 3- 0- 1 4 North Dakota 3- 0- 1 4 Bemidji State 3- 0- 0 3 Boston College 3- 0- 0 3 Clarkson 3- 0- 0 3 Colorado College 3- 0- 0 3 Dartmouth 3- 0- 0 3 Cornell 2- 0- 1 3 New Hampshire 2- 0- 1 3
Ezra Broder of CBS3 has highlights and interviews from UMass' 5-2 win over UMass Lowell on Saturday.
Following yesterday's 5-2 win over UMass Lowell, Dick Baker has several updates to his MassLive.com Hockey Blog:
UMass alum and Jets fourth-year player James Ihedigbo is expected to play a larger role with the team in Monday night's game against the Patriots on ESPN. Jets veteran safety Jim Leonhard suffered a broken leg on Friday. Looking for more help from the special teams demon, Rex Ryan could turn to Ihedigbo in the secondary. Here are various stories that mention the Amherst native.
• ESPNBoston.com: Patriots focus on Jets' special teams
• ESPNNewYork.com: Source: New York Jets' Jim Leonhard to likely done this season
• Boston Herald: Loss of Jim Leonhard big blow to Jets
• New York Times: The Impact of Jim Leonhard's Injury
• Newark Star-Ledger: Jets safety Jim Leonhard placed on injured reserve with fractured tibia
• Newsday: Leonhard placed on IR
• New York Post: Jets' Leonhard out for season, but teammates set to pick up slack
• The Mercury: NFL notebook: Jets safety Leonhard breaks leg, out for year
Here's a look at the stories heading into the Boston Tip-Off Classic as the 7-0 Minutemen take on Boston College at 6:30 p.m. at the TD Garden.
• Boston Globe: With each team, Gurley carries the fight
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Minutemen get first real hoop test in BC
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Declaring for draft helped Gurley improve
• Springfield Republican: A better, more versatile Riley awaits UMass-BC basketball game
• Boston Herald: Anthony Gurley better with age
• Boston Herald: UMass has its Mr. Right
• Daily Collegian: Minutemen look to stay unbeaten against instate rival BC
• Daily Collegian: TD Garden resonates for Kellogg, Minutemen
• Springfield Republican: UMass men's basketball coach Derek Kellogg may be disproving Tom Wolfe, who ...
The Daily Collegian ran two stories on the UMass women's basketball team on Friday as the Minutewomen prepare for a matchup with Boston College on Sunday at 2 PM at the Mullins Center. Michael Wood has a preview of the tilt with the Eagles with UMass fresh off its first win of the season earlier this week.
Also in the Collegian today, David Martin ran a feature of Cerie Mosgrove and Shakia Robinson's impact both on the court and in the locker room.
"They are a huge part in the team's progress," Head Coach Sharon Dawley said. "They are the core of our offense. Shakia's been having great performances game after game, and Cerie's been doing absolutely phenomenal. When they are having great days on the offensive end, then the rest of our offense really clicks into place."
Also in the Collegian today, David Martin ran a feature of Cerie Mosgrove and Shakia Robinson's impact both on the court and in the locker room.
"They are a huge part in the team's progress," Head Coach Sharon Dawley said. "They are the core of our offense. Shakia's been having great performances game after game, and Cerie's been doing absolutely phenomenal. When they are having great days on the offensive end, then the rest of our offense really clicks into place."
UMass hockey freshman Michael Pereira was one of the runner-up's for the Hockey Commissioner's Association Rookie of the Month Award. T.J. Tynan of Notre Dame earned Rookie of the Month honors after posting 6 goals and 6 assists as the Irish went 4-3-1 in November.
Denver's Sam Brittain, Holy Cross' Derek Kump and Matt Lindblad of Dartmouth were the other runner-ups with Pereira.
Denver's Sam Brittain, Holy Cross' Derek Kump and Matt Lindblad of Dartmouth were the other runner-ups with Pereira.
UMass coach Derek Kellogg, a former Minutemen player, is piecing together a winning program, as evidenced by his 7-0 start this season. In the Boston Herald, Steve Buckley has a great column on how Derek Kellogg is the right man for the job in Amherst.
The first time Anthony Gurley laid eyes on Derek Kellogg, he was convinced good days were ahead for the UMass basketball program.
"You could tell he wasn't just here for the job," said Gurley, a senior guard for the Minutemen who made his way to Amherst via Newton North High School with a brief stop in Winston-Salem, N.C., along the way. "Coach Kellogg has done a great job of putting together a blueprint of a top-25 program and putting us on the rise. I'm very confident in the direction this program is headed."
Continue reading Boston Herald: Kellogg Is Mr. Right For UMass.
In the Springfield Republican, Ron Chimelis has a column on hoop coach Derek Kellogg, who has had tremendous success in his third year coaching his alma mater. Its a must read.
Continue reading Republican Column On Kellogg's Success.
The Daily Collegian has a preview of the UMass-Boston College game at the TD Garden on Friday. Minutemen look to stay unbeaten against instate rival BC. The paper also takes a look at the rivalry: TD Garden resonates for Kellogg, Minutemen.
Continue reading Daily Collegian Previews UMass-BC Hoops.
The Boston Herald has a pair of stories on UMass. The first one is a feature on senior guard Anthony Gurley, who leads UMass into Saturday's game at the Garden.
urley has a scorer's mentality, a focus that frequently resulted in individual play in his first two seasons at UMass. Now a senior, Gurley is scoring more than ever. But he's also become an all-around player, with career-highs in rebounds, steals, field-goal percentage and 3-point shooting. Most importantly, UMass is 7-0 entering tomorrow night's Boston Tip-Off Classic game against Boston College at the Garden.
"I think I've matured a lot," said Gurley, a Roxbury native and former Newton North star. "My game has expanded. I'm trying to play a more complete game, get my teammates involved more and just play to my strengths."
Continue reading Boston Herald Feature On Anthony Gurley.
Congrats to hockey alum and former All-American Justin Braun who netted his first career NHL goal last night against Ottawa. In the 4-0 win, Braun scored a power play goal at the 8:22 mark of the 2nd period giving him a goal and three assists in four games played - not a bad start to his NHL career. He finished +2 for the night and had just over 18 minutes of ice time which was fourth most of any Shark skater last night.
New Hampshire shutout UMass Lowell 3-0 last night at Tsongas Arena extending the River Hawks losing streak to six games. Dick Baker also offers some analysis of the recent struggles UMass Lowell has suffered on his MassLive.com Hockey Blog.
HockeyEastOnline.com: UMASS LOWELL SHUT OUT BY NEW HAMPSHIRE, 3-0
The Daily Collegian has a preview on Saturday's game at the Mullins Center against UMass Lowell (1:30 PM) and a sidebar on how a resurgence in the penalty kill and good goaltending helped the Minutemen win last week.
The UMass women's basketball team celebrated its return to the Mullins Center on Wednesday night with a 78-55 win over Brown, the first of the season and first of head coach Sharon Dawley's tenure at UMass.
The Daily Collegian, Daily Hampshire Gazette, MassLive, and the Boston Globe have coverage of the game, while Michael Counos has a sidebar in the Collegian about all the career highs set by the Minutewomen so far in this young season.
The Daily Collegian, Daily Hampshire Gazette, MassLive, and the Boston Globe have coverage of the game, while Michael Counos has a sidebar in the Collegian about all the career highs set by the Minutewomen so far in this young season.
The Ravens announced that they have elected to keep running back Matt Lawrence on the team's physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, thus ending his season.
Lawrence played in eight games last season, but was sidelined by a knee injury that also forced him to miss training camp and the rest of the preseason.
Lawrence was then placed on the PUP list to begin the season. After the mandatory six-week period of inactivity ended, Lawrence participated in several of the team's practices.
The decision to not activate him from the PUP might suggest that the knee is still an issue. Another possibility is that activating Lawrence would have required the Ravens to release a player from their current roster, a scenario they might have preferred to avoid.
Baltimore Sun: Lawrence to remain on PUP
MASNSports.com: Lawrence will remain on PUP, ending his season
The number of undefeated teams in men's basketball continues to dwindle as UMass continues to win, moving to 7-0 with the win last night. Less than seven percent of the 348 Division I teams have perfect marks.
Here's the list:
8-0: Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Cleveland State
7-0: UMass, Duke, Georgetown, Syracuse, BYU, San Diego State, UNLV,
6-0: Kansas, Cincinnati, UConn, Ohio State, Memphis, UCF, Tennessee, South Dakota State, Boise State
5-0: Baylor, Louisville, Northwestern, Southern Miss, Washington State
The Daily Collegian has a review of the 2010 UMass Football season.
Though the Massachusetts football team put forth a notable effort and made an impression this season, it came up one win short of advancing to the postseason.
"In the end, it was a disappointing season because we didn't achieve our goal of making the playoffs," UMass head coach Kevin Morris said.
In the first half of the year, it seemed the No. 19-ranked Minutemen (6-5, 4-4 Colonial Athletic Association) were well on their way after 4-1 record heading into the bye week. The lone loss came in a closely-contested shootout against a storied Michigan program on the road, 42-37. Despite dropping the most anticipated game on its schedule, UMass played well enough to raise some eyebrows.
Continue reading Daily Collegian's Review Of UMass Football Season.
USA Today writer Kevin Allen has a piece on how college hockey rather than Canadian Juniors is becoming a larger pipeline for getting players into the NHL. At the end of the article is how many players from each college hockey program have been active in the league. UMass is the fifth-most represented Hockey East school with four - just one behind Vermont.
In Dave Hendrickson's Hockey East weekly column on USCHO.com, he focuses on the role special teams played in UMass two wins last week and how a turn-around in that area can lead to future success. The article includes extensive quotes from UMass head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com, he writes about Michael Pereira being named the Hockey East Rookie of the Month after scoring four goals and adding two assists in four games during November.
Happy Birthday to junior lacrosse players Seth Berggren and Mike Fetterly along with junior trackster Rhonda Kolaric all three turn 21 today.
Dan Gigliotti of the Daily Collegian looks at the impact the freshman class is making on the UMass hockey team, but quotes coach Cahoon as saying there is still a lot of work to be done. He also has an update of UMass players in the NHL.
Click Here to read the article.
Click Here to read the article.
Check out these stories on UMass basketball's 66-64 win at Quinnipiac.
• Springfield Republican: Just a second: UMass basketball beats Quinnipiac
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass wins with help from goaltending call at end
• Boston Globe: Minutemen abuzz over win
• Worcester Telegram: Perfect Minutemen barely escape
• Daily Collegian: Last second call keeps Minutemen undefeated
• SportsPage Magazine: Final Second Hoop Lifts UMass Over Quinnipiac, 66-64
• ESPN.com: Massachusetts 66, Quinnipiac 64
After an outcry of public demand for another episode of One Moore Minute, we are happy to bring you the newest installment of Kevin Moore's video blog following the UMass Hockey Team. This week, Kevin goes into the kitchen of Mike Donnellan who shows off some of his culinary skills. Be sure to watch for the guest appearances of Briane Keane and Shawn Saunders!
After scoring four goals and two assists in four games during the month of November, Michael Pereira was named the Hockey East Rookie of the Month today. Check back for the complete release.
Coach Sharon Dawley will lead her team to only the squad's second home game of the season, as the Minutewomen search for the season's first victory.
"We need to do a better job of making our easy shots. We are getting great opportunities; we just need to finish them" said Dawley of her team's performance early on.
The Daily Collegian's Michael Counous and David Martin discuss the adaptation to Dawley's new offensive strategy, as well as the highs and lows of 2010 thus far.
Bill Wells looks at the first and second place finishes of David and Kevin Johnson at the annual Talking Turkey Thanksgiving Day Race in Holyoke, Mass.
"It's nice, he got me two years ago when I took second" said David of just beating out his brother Kevin this past weekend. Check out the full story from The Springfield Republican
Dick Baker looks at the challenges of playing an afternoon game as the UMass hockey team hosts UMass Lowell on Saturday at 1:30 PM. Also, he has a feature on Michael Marcou doing away with superstition, takes a look around Hockey East, and asks the question of why more people don't know Dale Rolfe. Send a Twitter to @UMassAthletics if you know the answer!
UMass hockey defenseman Michael Marcou ditches superstition with maturity
UMass hockey defenseman Michael Marcou ditches superstition with maturity
UMass hockey players will have different schedule with afternoon game
Around Hockey East: UMass gets extra rest for Lowell
What is the matter with these kids these days: Shouldn't a freshman have heard of Dale Rolfe?
After opening the season with six games, all wins, in the 413 area code, the University of Massachusetts men's basketball team will leave the Pioneer Valley for the first time tonight when the Minutemen play at 7 p.m. at Quinnipiac in Hamden, Conn.
"Getting on the road is inevitable. I think this is a good test, a team that's 4-1 that gave us a great game last year. I think it's going to be a heckuva game," UMass coach Derek Kellogg said. "They're probably a little older, but we have youthful exuberance. I'm interested to see how we play. I'm anticipating the place will be sold out or close. It'll be a tough road environment."
Here are previews:
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass hoop team finally leaves state
• Springfield Republican: UMass basketball team hopes to avoid getting trapped at Quinnipiac
• Daily Collegian: UMass competes in first road game of the season
• Daily Collegian: Minutemen put undefeated record on the line against Quinnipiac
On the first day of December, we wish Happy Birthday to lacrosse juniors Anthony Biscardi, and Dayna Defliese and basketball sophomore Freddie Riley.
