Preview: River Hawks, Crusaders Meet in Nonconference Finale WORCESTER, Mass. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum before league play begins will meet Sunday when the Massachusetts-Lowell women’s basketball team visits Holy Cross. The nonconference finale for both schools tips off at 1 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Hart Recreation Center. The River Hawks (5-6) and Crusaders (5-5) enter with identical winning percentages, though their paths have differed. Massachusetts-Lowell is coming off a dramatic 73-72 overtime victory over Long Island on Dec. 14, while Holy Cross edged Vermont 46-45 on Dec. 16. A key matchup will feature two of the region’s top performers. Massachusetts-Lowell is led by guard Jaini Edmonds, who is averaging 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. She is coming off a dominant performance against Long Island, posting 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 43 minutes. Holy Cross counters with forward Mary-Elizabeth Donnelly, who nearly recorded a double-double in the win over Vermont with nine points and 10 rebounds. She averages 6.8 points and a team-leading 7.8 rebounds per contest. The River Hawks have shown resilience, with three of their six losses coming by five points or fewer. However, they have struggled on the road, going 2-5 away from home. The Crusaders have been strong defensively at Hart Center, holding opponents to an average of 52.2 points in their five home games this season. This game marks the final tune-up before each team dives into its conference schedule. Massachusetts-Lowell begins America East play on Jan. 3, while Holy Cross opens Patriot League action on Dec. 31. History slightly favors Holy Cross, which has won four of the last five meetings in the series. The Crusaders won last season’s matchup 65-58 in Lowell on Nov. 29, 2024.