Valentine’s Day on a student budget ► Page 5
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
February 9, 2016
UMass Lowell celebrates Civil Rights Movement
In This Issue
Henry St. Pierre
‘Why I Hate Valentine’s Day’
Connector Staff
â–ş Page 2
Hockey ties with Northeastern
â–ş Page 7 McGauvran Student Center video â–ş umlconnector.com
Final River Hawk Scores Team
Score
Overall Record
Hockey vs. New Hampshire
L 2-3 17-6-5
M. Basketball vs. Stony Brook
L 73-91
W. Basketball at Stony Brook
L 46-60 3-19
Hockey vs. Northeastern
T 2-2
8-15
17-5-5
Iowa caucuses show political divide Jennifer Wall
Throughout February, the second floor of University Crossing will host the Civil Rights Gallery – a collection of photographs, displays and posters to highlight the long struggle for civil rights in the United States. The gallery was put together by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Awareness Week, and the gallery’s purpose is to show the intersection of struggles and progress theme in the Civil Rights Movement. The second floor of U-Crossing features displays across the floor to demonstrate different aspects of the Civil Rights Movement. One such dis-
Henry St. Pierre/Connector
UMass Lowell’s Civil Rights Gallery is on display in University Crossing this month.
play compares the plight of the Civil Rights Movement to the various steps in Jesus Christ’s condemnation to die and his eventual crucifixion; it is
a very powerful scene, especially when images of Civil Rights leaders and faces such as Trayvon Martin’s are part of the display. The Gallery is
supposed to be powerful and moving, and this particular scene is certainly an attention-grabber. â–ş See “Civil Rights,â€? page 5
Connector Contributor
The Iowa caucuses this year showed the great divide in political parties that is now prevalent. The Iowa caucuses—which took place on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016—are an electoral event at which residents from the state gather to elect delegates. The 99 counties that make up the state of Iowa each select the delegates for Iowa’s Congressional District Convention and the state convention. The Iowa Caucus has a very different system than the primary election, to which almost all the other fifty states abide by. Donald Trump, a republican candidate, famous for his business successes and his reality television show “The Apprentice� finished second in the caucus, even though he has lead public opinion polls in Iowa for months at this point. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, the junior United States senator from Texas, won in Iowa, but the story does not end there. Although he won with 27.6 percent to Donald Trump’s 24.3 percent, it is being said that he won in Iowa because of the highly conservative population in the state. Florida’s Marco Rubio was quoted saying, “For months, for months they told us we had no chance. For months they told us because
River Hawks upset by New Hampshire Kyle Gaudette Connector Editor
On a night were they out-shot their opponent 45-16, out hit their opponent, and were flat-out faster on their skates, the only thing the River Hawks did not do was win. The University of New Hampshire (10-14-4) opened with three unanswered goals, and UMass Lowell (17-6-5) ran out of time to catch back up in what resulted in a 3-2 defeat at the Tsongas Center Saturday night. “We were chasing the game the
entire night,� said UMass Lowell Head Coach Norm Bazin. “There are a lot of good teams, and we allowed a 20-goal man to score first early in the game which is not a recipe for success. We need to have a better start next game, and we certainly realize there are a lot of good teams in Hockey East.� For the Wildcats, it was their first victory over UMass Lowell since 2012. The win can largely be credited to their goaltender Danny Tirone, who made 43 saves. “I was more pleased with
► See �Iowa,� page 3
Sections News.............................3 Campus Life.................. 5 A&E.............................. 4 Sports........................... 6
Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
UNH goaltender Danny Tirone stopped 43 shots en route to a Wildcat upset.
tonight’s game than I was last night’s,â€? said Bazin. “I liked the effort. We shook stuff up in the third period. Like I said, it’s tough to chase the game, you have to push. That goal we gave up in the third period wasn’t something I was too fond off because it was the difference in the end. But hey, that’s hockey.â€? Even though the scoreboard did not show it, UMass Lowell controlled play during the first period. They doubled up the Wildcats in shots on goal, 14-7, and came away with the better chances. This was highlighted by a near two minute stretch where the River Hawks controlled the puck in their offensive zone. C.J. Smith ripped a cross-ice pass to a wide open Adam Chapie, but he could not settle the puck in time to bury it. As the two teams headed to the first intermission however, the Wildcats held a 1-0 lead. Andrew Poturalski was in the right place at the right time in front of the net, and poked a rebound past UMass Lowell goalie Kevin Boyle just 30 â–ş See â€?River Hawks,â€? page 7
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 2
February 9, 2016
OPINIONS & EDITORIALS
Why I hate Valentine’s Day
THE UMASS LOWELL
Carly Chabot Serving the Student Body Since 1976
UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR
EDITORIAL BOARD MARLON PITTER Editor-In-Chief REGINA ALONGI Operations Manager KATRINA DESROSIERS Copy Editor NINA PETROPOULOS Web Manager MICHAELA HYDE ZACHARY ZUBER Social Media Managers EVANTHIA TULLY Photo Editor KELLY FREITAS JENNA FREITAS LISETTE PEĂ‘A Graphic Designers OPEN Advertising Manager GRYPHON LAYNE Distribution Manager
DAVE RUDDERHAM SAM LINSTEAD-ATKINSON News Editors KYLE GAUDETTE Sports Editor SHANE FOLEY Campus Life Editor JEN DESROSIERS BRENDAN JACQUES Arts & Entertainment Editors GRYPHON LAYNE Comics Editor MICHAEL PAIGE Multimedia Director JONATHAN SILVERMAN Advisor
UML Student
Ugh, Valentine’s Day. The worst holiday ever created. The day every single woman dreads. It almost feels as if this dumb holiday was created to make us loners feel bad that we are single. Or single yet again...Or single again for the eighth year in a row...And if you are just getting out of a relationship, this day is going to be extra painful for you. The truth is on Valentine’s Day, no one wins. On this red and pink sappy day, if we are not
single, we are going to expect our significant others to go above and beyond for us. Maybe with flowers, chocolates, beds full of rose petals, and whatever other gross crap that happens on Valentine’s Day. Then if that does not happen for you, BOOM, you end up in tears, disappointed, and maybe even in an argument finding yourself throwing chocolate heart boxes at your loved one,screaming “WHY DON’T YOU LOVE ME, JOHN?!� Then what do you know, you are single once again. Valentine’s Day is ab-
solutely redundant. It is the epitome of unnecessary. If you are in a relationship with someone every day should be Valentine’s Day, right? You should show love and affection for your person daily, instead of needing an annual reminder. Why force the people who are in relationships to be romantic? Honestly it’s just awkward and unhealthy. But most importantly, why remind us single folks that we are all alone? It’s not cool. You may be the day of love Valentine’s Day, but you are truly hated by me.
Twitter: @UMLConnector Instagram: @UMLConnector
Staff JACOB BOUCHER RICHARD BUDD MICHAEL CALAMONICI TAYLOR CARITO JEFFREY CULLEN GEORGE DELUCA COLE FITZGERALD ALEXA HYDE
OWEN JOHNSON RYAN JUSSAUME HANNAH MANNING EMILY TOOMEY HENRY ST. PIERRE BENJAMIN ST. PIERRE SHAYNA VIGLIOTTA
Email | Connector@uml.edu Website | www.UMLConnector.com Phone | 978.934.5017 ext. 45017 Address | University Crossing Club Hub Suite #241 220 Pawtucket St. Lowell, MA 01854 General: The UMass Lowell Connector is a non-profit student public forum serving the University of Massachusetts Lowell community. The paper is published weekly and distributed to the university community every Tuesday. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please be aware that members of the University community are entitled to free newspapers. Please take one! All UMass Lowell students, regardless of major, are invited to join the Connector staff. Interested students should contact an editor or manager listed above, or visit the Connector Office in University Crossing 241. Advertising: The UMass Lowell Connector advertisements reach an estimated 16,000 UMass Lowell students--their friends and families. To tap this group of
future high-income earners, contact our Advertising Manager at 934-5009. DEADLINE for ALL advertising (TO INCLUDE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF THE UNIVERSITY) is Thursday, 12 p.m. for the following Tuesday’s publication. No exceptions will be made. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted. Classified advertisements are free for students. The UMass Lowell Connector does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any product or service advertised in this publication. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The UMass Lowell Connector disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The UMass Lowell Connector reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Editorial: Letters to the editor must be less than 500 words in length and may be
Facebook.com/UMLConnector www.UMLConnector.com The Connector meets every Monday at 6 p.m. in University Crossing room 241 in the Club Hub. All are welcome to join! submitted via campus mail, e-mail, or in person. All letters must bear the author’s name, relationship to the University and student body, and a phone number. The author may request to have any part of this information withheld, if published. Opinions expressed in individual columns, the Opinions Section, advertising, and/or features are those of the author, NOT of the Connector. The Opinions and Editorials section will not be edited in any way, to include spelling/grammar mistakes. Submission: The deadline for all submissions (to include Letters to the Editors and Opinions) is Friday at midnight for the following Tuesday’s publication. Submissions must be e-mailed to Marlon_Pitter@student.uml.edu, attached as a Word document (any version). Accompanying visuals must
be submitted separately; do NOT include graphics in Word file. All press releases, articles, advertisements, and photographs submitted become the property of The UMass Lowell Connector and will not be returned. The Connector reserves the right to edit or refuse all submissions for copy, content, and length. The Connector will make every effort to prevent inaccuracy, but assumes no responsibility for errors in advertisements or opinion letters. The Connector will reprint without charge any advertisement which is incorrect. Credit for errors are made only for first insertion.
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
February 9, 2016
Page 3
NEWS MASSPIRG helps students let their voice be heard Jennifer Wall Connector Contributor
MASSPIRG held a booth in Fox Hall to ensure that students had an opportunity to register to vote before the upcoming primaries, which will be held on March 1, 2016. The consumer advocacy group works to protect the environment, helps people take action in circumstances where our health or safety or financial situations have a potential to be compromised, and ensures people have the knowledge to be able to participate in the democratic society we
MASSPIRG aims to familiarize students with the voting registration process.
live in. Students working at this table in Fox Hall focused on making every student they saw walk by aware of the fact that in order to vote in the primaries, they must be registered to vote by Feb. 10, 2016.
“It’s a service that contributes to the environment and promotes public health.” MASSPIRG is a non-partisan organization, and therefore they neither endorse nor advocate for a particular candidate, however their main goal on Feb. 3 was to raise awareness of the importance of voting and assisting people in pursuing people their rights as citizens. David Bradford, a member of MASSPIRG, shared the reason he joined the organization, saying, “It’s a service that contributes to the environment and promotes public health.”
All photos courtesy of Jennifer Wall
David Bradford, a freshman and vice president of MASSPIRG, speaking to a student.
Bradford also mentioned that this organization “gives students the position to be a leader, and advocate what they believe to be important.” MASSPIRG does not stop at helping people register to vote. It also helps out with projects such as the
Hunger and Homelessness Campaign and is working to help Massachusetts achieve 100 percent renewable energy. For more information, contact the writer at Jennifer_Wall@student.uml. edu.
Iowa caucus results ►Continued from front page
we offer too much optimism in a time of anger, we had no chance.” Rubio was initially condemned for the lack of time he had spent in Iowa, working to increase voter support for his campaign.
Exercise and Sport Science Community Health Education Health and Wellness Management EARN YOUR MASTER’S IN 1 YEAR • Accelerated one-year or part-time formats • Scholarships and financial aid • Optional test scores
1 YEAR FELLOWSHIPS - HALF TUITION Deadline to apply is March 1, 2016
Learn more www.merrimack.edu/gradhs graduate@merrimack.edu
“For months they told us because we offer too much optimism in a time of anger, we had no chance.” Previously to the caucus, the Carson campaign sent out an email that made accusations at CNN that said they were spreading “false or misleading information.” Cruz was quoted saying, “That was a news story CNN had posted, and our political team passed it on to our supporters. It was breaking news that was relevant.” He also added, ““Now, subsequently, the Carson campaign put out another statement saying that he was not, in fact, suspending his campaign, and I apologized to Ben for our team not passing on their subsequent clarification.” Young voters were especially involved in the 2016 Democratic Caucuses, both this past week and also in 2008 when Barack Obama won
them. According to entrance polls, 18 percent of the people who attended the Democratic Caucus were between the ages of 17-29 and another 17 percent were between the ages of 30-44. The majority of the younger group attended the event in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Even with Sanders young voter support, Secretary Hillary Clinton has been able to declare an early victory over Sanders at the Iowa caucus for the Democratic party; her campaign has stated that “After thorough reporting—and analysis—of results, there is no uncertainty and Secretary Clinton has clearly won the most national and state delegates.” While factual, their statement fails to bring to light how close the votes were with Clinton only leading Sanders by 0.3 percent. At this point in the electoral process Cruz’s main competitors to focus on are Trump and Rubio. All other republican candidates are more than 10 percent behind.
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 4
February 9, 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Classic Game Review: ‘The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past’ Shane Foley Connector Editor
Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, “The Legend of Zelda” now enjoys the status of being one of Nintendo’s longest surviving franchise. Due to their large history, they now have a large fan-base that spans younger newcomers to older gamers who were first introduced with classic titles like “Ocarina of Time” and “Majora’s Mask.” These games are so embedded in the annals of gaming history that newer additions like “Skywards Sword” and “Triforce Heroes” are forced to borrow elements from their classic predecessors. These classic titles were, however, in turn heavily influenced by an even older game that retro gamers hail as also being amongst the all-time greats. “A Link to the Past,” which was released in 1991, introduced many “Zelda” elements that were perfected in “Ocarina of Time” and “Majora’s Mask.” In chronological order, “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” was the third “Zelda” title released (do not ask when it takes place in the canon; it is a very, very long story). The game came out on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System along with Nintendo heavyweights “Super Mario World” and “Super Metroid.” It is a two-dimensional game where the player must make use of a wide array of items to defeat enemies and traverse some of the most daunting dungeons ever. One characteristic of this game retro fans will recall was that it was the first “Zelda” game with a plot. The previous two titles, “The Legend of Zelda” and “The Adventure of Link,” were heavily focused on gameplay, and never made note of the story that was unfolding save a large explanation at the beginning of each game and each game’s resolution. These older titles only had really one objective that the player had to achieve. “A Link to the
Past” featured an intricate plot though, especially in comparison to games of its era. The game is supposed to take place after the events of “Ocarina of Time,” where the evil king Ganon is sealed away. At the beginning of the game you meet the wizard Aghanim, the main antagonist of the game. His mission is to capture all of the seven maidens (knows as the seven sages in
ty. Playing this game without a guide or walkthrough to reference will result in many hours of gameplay. The dungeon count in this game is ridiculous, and the player must eventually walk across every tile of the map to complete the game. There are no other aids in this game either. There is no Navi to tell you where to go next or Midna to tell you how to defeat the Courtesy of Nintendo
“A Link to the Past” was released by Nintendo in 1991.
“Ocarina of Time”) to break the seal on Ganon. The final maiden that he must find is Princess Zelda. Fans may also under estimate how many classic moments or items come from this game. This was the first game to feature items like the hookshot, the Pegasus boots and the iconic Master Sword. One of the major events in the game is the transformation from normal Hyrule to the Dark World, an element we also see in “Ocarina of Time,” “Twilight Princess” and “Skyward Sword” to a small extent. There are even major areas that we see here for the first time, like Hyrule Castle, Kakariko Village and Zora River. Another savory quality this game has is a well-placed degree of difficul-
boss (there is no Fi to tell you your batteries are running out, either). You are for the most part on your own. The dungeons in this game also have many floors with large obstacles that make it very difficult to select a path to take. “A Link to the Past” also has a large emphasis on puzzle solving, even more so than combat. Please do not misinterpret; there are hordes of various monsters that are very good at draining your heart meter. This game never puts you in a room and says “defeat these enemies and you advance,” though. The game prompts you to look for different entries, exits, multiple rooms in one area and completing objectives that let you move on…and
then you have to defeat all of the enemies. This game gives no free passes. To throw on top of all the other amazing elements of this game, it also features a great soundtrack. The game sounds like a “Zelda” game should, with heroic anthems for the triumphs of the game, sorrowful ballads for the sad parts and eerie sonatas for the dungeons. This game introduced many themes that are recycled in subsequent games as well. “Zelda’s Lullaby,” the Kakariko Village and Dark World theme can all be heard in other “Zelda” titles. As there are many appraisals of this game, there are some complications with its gameplay. The high difficulty is not a real area of concern, but the progression is. There are times in this game where you have to meet incredible odds just to get to the next dungeon. There is also a large emphasis on side quests. People now play “Zelda” games differently. Some try to get the whole experience at once, while some play the main story line and go back for the side quests. In this game though, you have to do the side quests, but they do not tell you this is a thing. You can play most of the game without exploring every little thing, but I can tell you there is no way you are getting to the sixth dungeon in the Dark World without paying close attention. Complications aside, these are not enough to detract completely from this wonderful gaming experience. Fans who have played “A Link Between Worlds” may notice that it is set in the same setting as “A Link to the Past.” This was also the first game with an Ocarina, introduced the idea of seven sages/maidens/whatever there is seven of in other games. The bottle system was also introduced here. While it may not be as well remembered as “Ocarina of Time” or “The Wind Waker,” “A Link to the Past” has certainly left its mark.
February 9, 2016
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 5
CAMPUS LIFE Valentine’s Day dates for $10 or less If you are interested in going out for breakfast, Owl Diner on Appleton Street has amazing prices for breakfast sandwiches and specials starting at three dollars. For a dinner option, there is the Egg Roll Café on University Avenue that has a great selection of egg rolls for less than three dollars, as well as many other delicious meals.
Taylor Carito Connector Staff
College is expensive, but dating does not have to be. Lowell is full of inexpensive places to eat and visit for your Valentine’s Day date. 1. Tour the Boott Cotton Mills Museum This museum is located right in downtown Lowell and admission is only three dollars for students. The museum has interactive exhibits as well as a 1920s-era weave room to show what it was like working in the mills during the Industrial Revolution. Their website lists dates in which admission is free. 2. UMass Lowell men’s basketball game If you are looking for something to do related to the River Hawks, you should go to the Men’s Basketball game against University of Maryland Burlington (UMBC). Entry for UMass Lowell students is free and tickets for non-students are $10. The game will be held at Costello Athletic Center located on North Campus.
Courtesy of Ronald Saari
Owl Diner, located on Appleton Street, is a good option for a cheap meal.
3. Merrimack Repertory Theatre Located right next to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, this small theatre is space to plays throughout the year and is an easy walk from the Inn and Conference Center (ICC) in downtown Lowell. “Tinkers to Evers to Chance” will be playing all throughout February. Tickets are $10
for UMass Lowell students.
5. Mill No. 5 This quaint, small business marketplace is one of the newest popular attractions in Lowell. It is located in an old cotton mill on Jackson Street on the fourth floor and has a lot to offer. With a vinyl record shop, a café, a nostalgic movie theater and everything in between, it is the perfect place to go for something romantic or casual. Movie tickets range from $6-$11.00, depending on the film.
4. Local restaurants There are restaurants everywhere in Lowell. Merrimack Street offers a wide variety of different, authentic restaurants. Although they vary in price, there are a few that are easy to get away with spending $10.00 or less.
Black History Month display at University Crossing ►Continued from front page
Another display for the Gallery is a wall of photographs with the powerful title of “Unsung Heroes” hanging overhead. These photographs highlight various important figures in the Civil Rights Movement and provide a brief biography of each hero and/or heroine. The purpose of the wall is to show not only how many people worked so hard to progress the Civil Rights Movement in America; it also emphasizes how many steps and struggles were needed to get to where we are now and to show how important dedication and perseverance are in making real change happen. Another display for the gallery is a series of posters named “Lenses of Civil Rights.” The four posters come together to create an in-depth timeline of the history of the Civil Rights Movement here in the United States. Reading through the timeline shows just how many injustices and horrendous things occurred in this country, but also how brave and courageous people have been fighting for equal rights for all. A last display in the Civil Rights Gallery is a Photo Mosaic. This mosaic shows different photographs of very diverse people all connected together by string. Every photo, and every human being, in the mosaic has their own life and their own story, but the mosaic shows that something connects us all, despite how different we may seem to one another. The Civil Rights Gallery will be on display through Feb. 29 and is located on the second floor of UCrossing.
Henry St. Pierre/Connector
University Crossing is adorned with information on leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
Page 6
February 9, 2016
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
February 9, 2016
SPORTS Here comes the blame pie: Why the Patriots were not in San Francisco Kyle Gaudette Connector Editor
I have never been, nor will I ever claim to be a fan of Hannah Montana, but you would be a fool not to admit she nailed it when she came out with her tune, “Nobody’s Perfect.” In the song, Montana revels in her proclamations that no one is indeed perfect, and that she intends to “try again and again until [she] get[s] it right.” While Patriots coach Bill Belichick will probably not be jamming out to the once-great pop star in between his Bruce Springsteen marathons, Patriots fans need to realize that when it comes to their beloved, cando-no-wrong head coach, Montana’s words could not be more true. It was admittedly a weird year altogether in the world of football, highlighted by Belichick being the main reason why the Patriots will be watching Super Bowl 50 from their couches. Belichick should not be fired. BeliMichael Dwyer/AP
It was an abrupt end to the 2015 season.
chick should not be on the hot seat. Belichick should not be having a meeting with owner Robert Kraft to discuss job security. If he so wishes to, Belichick should be the head coach of the Patriots when the 2016-17 campaign comes around. But, when it comes to dividing up the “blame pie” for who deserves the most criticism for the Pats not making the Super Bowl, Belichick gets the largest slice. There was no reason this Patriots team should not have been representing the American Football Conference in the Super Bowl. The roster the defending champs brought back this offseason was more than good enough to repeat. The offense was always going to be downright unstoppable with Tom Brady at the helm slinging it to studs like Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. There was always the question of whether cornerback Malcolm Butler could make the loss of Darrelle Revis slightly less noticeable, but emerging young stars like Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower would at least keep the defense serviceable. You can even forget about the high preseason speculation if you want, and look at the actual on-field data the Patriots provided. I saw a team that was 10-0 and was on their way to 11-0 had now-jobless Chris Harper not dropped that punt in Denver. Looking around the AFC made things look even better. Last year’s proud AFC Championship game participant Colts were in shambles, the Cincinnati we-alwayslose-in-the-playoffs were never really a threat, Peyton Manning was absolutely atrocious at quarterback during the
regular season and the Steelers, who I believe the Patriots were always better than, lost about half their roster, including Ben Roethlisberger, to injury at some point. Now don’t get me wrong the Patriots suffered their fair share of injuries this season too, JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER TEAM. Were the injuries a factor? Yes. Should they have kept the Patriots from getting the top seed in the playoffs and having the AFC run through Foxboro? No. For some reason unbeknownst to me, the Patriots just can not win a playoff game in Denver; the 2005 divisional round game, the championship game two years ago, and the game a few weeks ago are all recent examples of that. I’m not sure if the Pats not being able to win in Denver is because of the climate or the hostile fans. Whatever that reason is, however, is irrelevant if the championship game is in Foxboro. You would have a hard time convincing me the Patriots would have lost that game had it been at home, something just one more regular season win would have accomplished. Which brings me back to Bill, and his mismanaging of key scenarios down the stretch. Sure, the Philadelphia Eagles finished 7-9 this year, but to me, they were at times one of, if not the worst, teams in the NFL. Losing to them in Foxboro was a joke that all started when Belichick decided to do a rugby-style kickoff up 14-0 to try to “catch them off guard.” That is something nobody ever does, like ever. The Eagles scored on that short-field drive, and after a couple special teams mis-
cues, the game turned into a blowout with the lowly Eagles flying high. What that ridiculous rugby kickoff showed, is that Belichick thought he could show-up Chip Kelly with cute little stupid plays like that and still win. That loss was inexplicable. The decision in the Jets game to give them the ball to start overtime was the right one, but luckily Belichick gave me more ammo week 17 against Miami. All one needs to know about that game is the washed-up, old running back Steven Jackson was the focal point of the Patriots offense. Belichick thought he could roll into Miami week 17, give 50 percent of his effort, and come out with the win. There were in-game decisions during this most recent AFC Championship game, most-notably not deferring to the second half after winning the coin toss, that have been debated. But I won’t pick on those here. Sitting starters and playing uber-conservative week 17 cost you a win that would have given the Pats the number one seed. Belichick was wrong for believing he could coach two games at 50 percent and think his team would be fine. The end of the season stung, yes, but it’s okay because no one is perfect. Even the great Bill Belichick is human and makes mistakes. Unfortunately, those mistakes cost the Patriots another Super Bowl run. No matter how you slice up the blame pie, Belichick has to be going in for seconds.
Men’s basketball suffers loss against America East-leading Seawolves 91-73 Shamus Ricardo Connector Contributor
Despite an impressive 20 point performance from River Hawks freshman Isaac White that included an impressive 6-8 from three, UMass Lowell fell to the Stony Brook Seawolves 91-73 at the Costello Athletic Center. The game started out back and forth, and with 3:44 left in the first half, the River Hawks only were down 25-28. The Seawolves offense came alive and by halftime it was 37-28. Unfortunately, the score would only get worse in the second half, where the Seawolves led by as much as 25 points. “We faced a very good Stony Brook team today,” said UMass Lowell head coach Pat Duquette after the loss. “They’re possibly the best team we have played in three years in America East.” Duquette also praised opposing player Jameel Warney, who has been named the America East Conference player of the year the past two years. Warney led the charge for Stony Brook with 24 points and 14 rebounds in 33 minutes. Mark Cornelius continued his recent hot streak by putting in another fine performance for UMass Lowell, dropping 11 points and grabbing 5 boards. Matt Harris also had 11 points, and Jahad Thomas scored 9 points to go with a team-leading 7 rebounds. With this win over the River Hawks, the Sea-
wolves increased their win streak to an impressive 15 straight with an overall record of 19-4. The River Hawks fell to 8-15 overall.
The River Hawks will be back in action Monday at the Costello Athletic Center against Vermont at 7 p.m.
George DeLuca/Connector Freshman point guard Isaac White hit a season-high 6 three-pointers in Sunday’s home loss to Stony Brook.
Page 7
SPORTS River Hawks falter against UNH UP CO MI N G
► Continued from front page
seconds into the game. The goal was an impressive twenty-first of the season for Poturalski. It was an odd second period. The River Hawks controlled play again but found themselves facing an old-fashioned penalty shot. A River Hawk committed the equivalent of a clear-path penalty, which the referee deemed was flagrant enough for a penalty shot. The call came to a chorus of boos from the UMass Lowell faithful in attendance. Facing down the one-on-one, Boyle did not fall for any jukes, and turned away the shot attempt, keeping the River Hawk deficit at only one. Despite the clutch save from Boyle, UMass Lowell saw the lead grow midway through the second. A
terrible pass from an UMass Lowell defenseman was intercepted at the blue line by UNH. Three quick passes later, the Wildcats capitalized on the 3-2 the giveaway created, and Shane Eiserman put UNH up 2-0. Things got worse before it got better for the River Hawks. Ara Nazarian made it 3-0 UNH when he made a nice right-to-left juke move to get inside position and fire the puck past Boyle stick side. UMass Lowell finally got on the board with their thirty-ninth shot on goal. Jake Kamrass got one past Tirone to give the home team some life down the stretch. Still down 3-1 with two minutes to go, UMass
River Hawk Games Thursday, Feb. 11
4 pm
MBB at Maine
Thursday, Feb. 11
7 pm
WBB vs. Maine
Friday, Feb. 12
7 pm
Hockey at B.U.
Friday Feb. 12
2 pm
M+WXCTF at B.U.
Saturday, Feb. 13
1 pm
MLAX at B.U.
Saturday, Feb. 13
7 pm
Hockey vs. B.U.
For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com Bradel
Lowell pulled Boyle to get the 6-5 man advantage. The tactic worked, as Nick Master put away his fifth goal of the season with 1:15 left to play. The River Hawks peppered the net in the final minute, but were unable to get the tying goal. “You have to play 60,” said Bazin. “This time of year there are no easy points in Hockey East. I don’t think our guys took anything for granted tonight. I liked the effort. When you out-shoot your opponent 2-1 you have to convert, and we didn’t execute enough.” UMass Lowell now stand in third place in Hockey East play. However, they have played two more games than anyone else in the conference. The River Hawks will have to put this disappointing weekend behind them to gear up for a homeand-home next Friday and Saturday against Conference rival Boston University. Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
Ryan McGrath fights for the puck against a UNH defender in last night’s 3-2 loss against the Wildcats.
Northeastern forces 2-2 tie with No. 8 River Hawks Marlon Pitter Connector Editor
The Northeastern Huskies all but controlled the second half of the game to force a 2-2 tie against the eighthranked River Hawks Friday night at the Tsongas Center. Northeastern’s momentum continued to mount on the River Hawks as the game went on, as they launched 19 shots on goal in the third period. Huskies forward Mike McMurtry tied the game a power play goal at 9:32 in the third period to even the score, sending the game into overtime. The initial pressure on both sides of the puck by the River Hawks kept shot opportunities for the Huskies low early in the game, as they recorded only 13 shots on goal through two periods. In the first 40 minutes, UMass Lowell had outshot Northeastern 20-13, but the script flipped for the Hockey East clubs, as Northeastern’s effort to make plays on the puck and create scoring chances tilted the ice in their favor to end the game. Neither team recorded a shot on goal during the overtime period, but scoring chances abounded for both teams in the late stages of the contest. “It was an interesting game because I thought we managed the first half
of the game very well and they did the second half,” said UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin. “I thought in the overtime we had a bulk of the opportunities, and we didn’t get a shot on those chances.” Kevin Boyle was the main standout player for the River Hawks, stopping 30 of 32 shots faced. He said he kept his composure despite not facing much action early in the game. “In the second period, when I started feeling the puck more, I think I started getting a little more confident,” said Boyle, “but you just have to keep that focus the whole game no matter how many shots you see.” After the game, Bazin said Boyle was “the best player on our team.” Ryan Ruck provided excellent backstopping for the Huskies as well, making saves on 24 of 26 shots faced. River Hawk forward Evan Campbell opened the scoring with a wrist shot off an assist from A.J. White, who stopped the puck in front of the crease allowing Campbell to lift the puck to the top corner of the Northeastern net at 6:53 in the first period. The Huskies responded with a goal from defenseman Trevor Owens at 8:21 in the first period, his first of the season.
UMass Lowell forward Joe Gambardella scored on the power play after a scrum in the Northeastern crease at 16:37 in the first period to put the River Hawks up 2-1. The goal was the River Hawks’ only tally on four chances with the man advantage. While the power play has been a strong suit for UMass Lowell recently, Bazin said he was not impressed with the lack of production from his team Friday night.
“Some things are going to have to be adjusted there because that was an area I wasn’t as pleased on, but we’ll have to watch a film and make some adjustments,” said Bazin. With the tie, the River Hawks move to 10-3-4 in Hockey East play, tied with Notre Dame for second in the conference, and 17-5-5 overall.
Ryan Jussaume/Connector
A.J. White celebrates Evan Campbell’s fitth goal of the season Friday night.