Preview: River Hawks Face Minutemen in Cross-State Matchup HADLEY, Mass. (Interstat) — A cross-state rivalry renews Saturday when the UMass Lowell River Hawks visit the UMass Minutemen in nonconference men’s basketball at the Mullins Center. The Minutemen (5-3) enter with momentum, having won three of their last four, including a 78-71 home victory over Harvard on Wednesday. Guard Marcus Banks has been the catalyst, erupting for a season-high 29 points in that win. Over his last five games, Banks is averaging 19.4 points, showcasing his role as UMass’s primary scorer. Conversely, the River Hawks (3-6) snapped a five-game skid with a 90-67 rout of Emerson last Saturday. Forward Austin Green posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in that win, continuing a strong stretch. Green has averaged 14.4 points and 8.0 rebounds over his last five contests, providing a consistent interior presence for Lowell. This game presents a contrast in trajectories. UMass has found its rhythm at home, going 4-1 at the Mullins Center this season. The River Hawks, meanwhile, are 0-5 in true road games, part of a challenging early schedule that included losses to power-conference foes Connecticut and Wake Forest. For UMass Lowell, containing Banks will be paramount. The River Hawks’ defense, which allowed an average of 86.2 points during their losing streak, tightened to hold its last two opponents under 70 points. Replicating that effort against a more potent UMass offense, averaging 78.6 points per game, is the next test. The Minutemen will look to control the paint and leverage their home-court advantage. How they handle Green and fellow forward Victor Okojie, who also had a double-double against Emerson, could dictate the tempo. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon as UMass aims to solidify its winning record, while UMass Lowell seeks a statement road victory against its in-state counterpart.