British Debate
â—„ Celebrating 200 years of free speech and the art of debating
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THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
March 31, 2015
Students honor Voting Rights Act 50 years later
In This Issue
Academy Award-nominated documentarian Callie Crossley speaks on campus
Drew Hayden Taylor Humorist and playwright speaks on campus
Lindy Reed Connector Staff
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Campus Police Log
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NBA MVP race
Curry, Westbrook, Harden in historic battle
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Final River Hawk Scores Team Baseball vs. Georgia State
M. Lacrosse vs. Albany W. Lacrosse vs. Colorado
Score
Overall Record
W 11-9
4-10
L 0-25
1-8
L 7-17
0-10
Kendrick Lamar’s latest release tops charts
Talk show and radio host Callie Crossley visited UMass Lowell to speak to students about the Modern Civil Rights movement, the period of massive change from 19541965. The UMass Lowell Music Department provided an opening act for Ms. Crossley through the Matt Herron’s photo exhibition in University Crossing shows first-hand the struggle for civil rights in the South. The Selma to Montgomery march led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act Choral Union, a of 1965. diverse group of tal and environmental problems. registrar. student singers who performed One main focus was the potential The next clip Ms. Crossley three Marvin Gaye songs prior to of children and their ability to ef- showed was from her Academy Ms. Crossley’s talk. fect global change. This was also a Award-nominated documentary, After being introduced by Dr. theme of Ms. Crossley. “Eyes on the Prize.â€? The selectFrancis Talty, the Choral Union Ms. Crossley began by showing ed scene portrayed footage from sang “Inner City Blues,â€? a mix of a clip from the movie Selma. The Bloody Sunday, the unprovoked “What’s Going Onâ€? and “Save the scene she chose depicted a black attack of police on peaceful marchChildren,â€? and concluded with woman triying to vote, but failing ers in their march from Selma to “Mercy Mercy Me,â€? all Marvin because of the prejudiced voting Montgomery. Gaye songs that highlight socieâ–şSee Civil Rights, Page 4
Starch Madness crowns true champion Marlon Pitter Connector Editor
Andrew Haverty Connector Staff
“King Kendrickâ€? should be his title by now. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is at his level. I thought hip-hop and rap were revitalized through “good kid m.A.A.d cityâ€? (2012), but that was apparently just the warm up for what Kendrick was fully capable of. When Kendrick Lamar decided to look upon himself and look at his way of living, he went looking for himself and questioned what made him into the man he is today. He wanted to know how he could be a better person, both to himself and to others. His journey, both mental and physical, is documented through his newest album, “To Pimp A Butterfly.â€? â–şSee To Pimp a Butterfly, Page 3
Sections Opinion......................... 2 Campus Life.................. 6 A&E.............................. 3 Sports........................... 7 News............................. 4
There is a reason playoff systems exist in sports: to determine a true champion. Last week, Sports Editor Shane Foley ranked the top eight donut shops in Lowell, but with the Final Four just around the corner, it’s time to crown Lowell’s true Starch Madness champion. First Round Dunkin’ Donuts (1) vs. Donuts in dining halls (8) No upsets this early in our bracket. Dunkin’ Donuts creams its competition by a long shot. More than eight locations in the city and a standard of excellence propel their donuts over those of East Campus’ University Dining Commons and South’s Mill City Restaurant. Top Donut (2) vs. Market Basket (7) Top Donut wins just on its name alone. If you don’t believe me, visit its two locations in Lowell: 603 Bridge St. or 700 Aiken St. A local favorite, their match between high quantity and quality is unparalleled. Simply put, a better variety of morning treats is hard to find in Lowell.
Market Basket deserves credit for its 12-packs of donuts sold for just 99 cents. For a dozen donuts sold at that low of a price, they’re better than you think. The Donut Shack (3) vs. Starbucks (6) The Donut Shack’s worst donut could beat Starbucks’ best coffee. They take the cake for quality in the city by far. The store’s only drawbacks are its off-campus location at 487 Westford St., just off South Campus, and its smaller quantities than franchised donut shops. Still, this should be a one-versus-eight matchup. I’ve never even seen a donut anywhere near Starbucks. It’s far past midnight for this overrated Cinderella. ►For full bracket, see Starch Madness, Page 6
March 31, 2015
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Opinion: Consider other perspectives Sarah Pacht UML Student
At the British debate Thursday night, the topic of discussion was whether an immigrant from a developing country would rather live in the United States or the European Union. Both the proposition and opposition argued fervently in favor of their respective sides. The main points for the U.S. were the racist leaders of various countries in the E.U., the availability of opportunities in the U.S. and a better education system. The E.U. countered with its loose restrictions on immigration, free healthcare and free or reduced-cost education system. Audience members were asked to vote at the end of the debate by walking out the set of doors that corresponded with their vote: “aye� in favor of immigrants choosing the U.S., “no� in favor of immigrants choosing the E.U. and “abstention� for those who chose not to vote at all. Not surprisingly, the U.S. won. But how many people voted for the U.S. without even considering the arguments made by the opposition? I’m sure many people voted for the U.S. simply because they live in the U.S. and are American. Patriotism is good and all, but
one of the purposes of college is to open your mind to different ideas and points of view, and I think many people at this event didn’t do that. When it was time to vote, a student raced over to the “aye� door with his fist in the air shouting “‘Merica!� (Which is another thing: if you were as patriotic as you claim to be by shouting “‘Merica,� you would say “America� instead to show that you actually respect your country). The various languages spoken in the countries that make up the E.U. was a topic of discussion as well, with the proposition claiming that the U.S. is easier to adapt to because most immigrants know English. Other countries require an understanding of the English language; while the U.S. teaches various foreign languages, it doesn’t require an understanding of these languages, leaving many students to know only the basics of said language where students of other countries can speak English as if it were their first language. The U.S. is a great country, don’t get me wrong, but Americans are very arrogant and inconsiderate when it comes to other countries, cultures and ideas. Take full advantage of college: open your mind.
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March 31, 2015
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Lamar’s ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ tops charts ► Continued from front page
We all knew that Kendrick was moving on to bigger and better things after his standout, first major label album, but none of us could have prepared for something so beautiful and thought-provoking as this. Even after listening through it for the second time in my favorite pair of high definition headphones, “To Pimp A Butterfly” is still stuck in my mind. By the end of the album, I felt as if I had listened to a complex major motion picture; in my opinion, this is how any great album is supposed to make you feel. From the start, in “Wesley’s Theory,” Kendrick talks about his aspirations as a rapper and how Uncle Sam is ready to manipulate him for his own
benefit. From there, we gradually gain insight to Kendrick’s roller coaster of emotions through song; and through a poem that’s fulfilled by the end in dramatic fashion. If there’s one thing for sure on this album, it’s that Kendrick Lamar has brought back the funk. Similar to how I felt about Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories,” “To Pimp A Butterfly” brings back funk in a new and modern way that still respects where it came from. I’ll be shocked if you’re not head-nodding to your first, second and 22nd listen to “King Kunta.” One of my favorite tracks off the album, “These Walls,” about Kendrick looking through the perspective of the women he convinces to sleep with him, is so clean and
catchy in its production that I didn’t fully recognize the overall message until I sat down to listen to the album from beginning to end. At first listen it was all too easy to get caught up in heavy bass tracks like “Alright” and “Hood Politics” and miss the overall message completely. Don’t get me wrong, as I don’t mean that in a negative way. The production is absolutely top notch on every single track. Every song makes you feel and conjures up emotions; whether they’re negative or positive, it’s all extremely entertaining. Every track on this album could be a standout, as they all have their own slick production, impressive set of lyrics and intriguing messages. But for me, the two big standouts
(other than “These Walls”) are “The Blacker The Berry” and “I.” If you haven’t heard the album yet (and why the heck haven’t you?), you may be thinking you’ve already heard “I,” but the album version is surprisingly different from the radio edit. Some of the lyrics are changed, most notably the more aggressive chorus, and the production creates the illusion that we’re hearing a recording from some sort of live performance. It’s a very intimate way of producing a track and genuinely feels authentic. “The Blacker The Berry,” however, is possibly the rap highlight of the year so far. Lyrics that are so forceful and relentless in their delivery had my jaw on the floor in seconds. Kendrick simultaneously criticizes the racism in this
world while also criticizing himself for his past mistakes, calling himself a “hypocrite,” and the punchline at the end of the track had me speechless at such a well-crafted piece of rap. Not to mention that the the bass-knocking production will rival even hardest of beats. By the end of “To Pimp A Butterfly,” you just might feel as Kendrick himself had once felt: conflicted. The majority of the album is filled with heavy, thought-provoking material. It’s a poetic mastermind at its finest and his most recent work is nothing short of an expertly-crafted masterpiece. Listen to “To Pimp A Butterfly,” because you may not hear a better rap album this year… or ever.
Album Grade: A+
Indie Spotlight Review: ‘Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number’ Brendan Jacques Connector Staff
Released back in 2012 by the developers at Dennaton Games, the original “Hotline Miami” was as much a blast from the past as it was a breath of fresh air for a game industry just beginning to see the merits of indie gaming. Oozing with just as much style and action as it did blood and guts, the original game left a legacy of madness in its wake with its intense combat, engaging story and a pulsing soundtrack that has yet to stop playing in my head to this day. Now following on the heels of its predecessor is “Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number,” a sequel that succeeds in expanding the series’ signature formula in a new direction while keeping the familiar gameplay intact, though not without making a few mistakes along the way. At its core, “Hotline Miami 2” is a top-down action game with a heavy emphasis on careful planning and twitch reflexes. Each level places you into the shoes of one of an assortment of serial killers and criminals living in 1980s Miami, with the objective of storming into various mob-controlled buildings and killing everyone in sight with whatever weapons you can find. While this initially seems simple enough, as most weapons in the game are capable of killing an enemy in a single hit, the mobsters themselves are usually well-armed and capable of killing you just as quickly, forcing the player to strategize around their enemy’s movements. As a result, every level becomes more of a puzzle than a traditional action stage, with the player left to find the right combination of cautious tactics and frenzied movements needed to leave everyone in their wake with a few less limbs. All that being said, it should be not-
ed that this is not a game for the faint of heart or easily frustrated. While quick re-spawn times and short levels somewhat mitigate this issue, “Hotline Miami 2” is incredibly unforgiving and, in rare occasions, extremely unfair towards the player. While the game begins with a short tutorial to explain the basic controls to newcomers, the difficulty curve is much steep-
upcoming slasher film based on the first game’s events, each of the characters has been influenced by his killing spree in one way or another, and most of them won’t have a happy end as a result. While this setup is initially very interesting and weirdly compelling despite all of the characters being deplorable, it’s in the actual plot construction that
Courtesy of Dennaton Games
er than in the original, with multiple enemies wielding long-range weapons from the very start and almost no lee-way given to experiment with the game systems before things pick up. On the other hand, if you can take it and survive, the feeling of accomplishment you get for completing its challenges is almost unparalleled. I’ve been avoiding talking about the story up until now because the story and its execution is what separates this game from its immediate predecessor, while also highlighting why the game doesn’t work quite as well. While the original game focused its narrative entirely around one singular killer, Jacket, and his one-man battle with the Russian mafia, “Hotline Miami 2” is instead concerned with fleshing out the series’ universe by focusing on events that occurred before, during and after those of the starting plot. From a group of wannabe vigilantes styling themselves off Jacket to a movie star hired to play him in an
it all begins to fall apart. In order to keep the gameplay consistently fresh from level to level, the game constantly switches who you have control over at any given time with each character having their own unique methods of approaching their unique challenges. While from a gameplay perspective this works well enough (even if I miss the ability to use any play style on any stage), what hurts the system is that most of the central cast play out their own self-contained storylines separately from each other, with only the occasional overlap between plot threads. This is only further hurt by the game’s insistence to tell the story out of order, with different characters playing out their stories at different times before, during and after each other, culminating in a finale that left me guessing what happened, when it happened and what the point of any of it was to begin with. While it’s clear that the story is aspiring to pay homage to “Pulp Fiction” with its sprawl-
ing story design, it ultimately gets crushed under the weight of its own tangled plot threads. From a graphical perspective, “Hotline Miami 2” looks great, even if the art style takes a bit of getting used to. Every level pulsates with hypnotic neon colors and washed-out textures to create a stylized look that walks the line of being consistently interesting to look at while also adding needed contrast to the copious amounts of blood you’ll be pouring over the environment as itt goes. It’s artistically sound throughout and the game ran at a consistent framerate throughout, though I did run into a fair amount of bugs in my time with the game. Special mention also needs to be given to the game’s soundtrack, which uses a masterful blend of old-school ‘80s synth and modern techno to consistently set the mood for every moment of the story. Most people forget how important good sound design is for defining a work’s style, and this game wouldn’t be half as enthralling as it is without it. In the end, I consider “Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number” a good sequel to a great game. While the story does end up over-extending itself and the gameplay as a whole isn’t as tightly designed as it should be, everything that made the original game stand out, from its pulsing soundtrack and visuals to its visceral gameplay, is still there and is as fun as it’s ever been. Even with its flaws, it’s still one of the best indie releases to come out so far this year and I would definitely recommend it to those looking for a challenge to go with their ultra-violence. “Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number” is available on PC, Playstation 3 and Playstation 4 for $15, with its predecessor, “Hotline Miami,” available on the same platforms for $10.
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March 31, 2015
March 31, 2015
NEWS Connector Contributor
The Theatre Arts Department presented another installment of the Theater Lives series, as internationally known Ojibwa-Canadian playwright, humorist and author Drew Hayden Taylor came to UMass Lowell to share his knowledge of playwriting. In his time on campus, Taylor gave a lecture on Aboriginal humor Wednesday afternoon, spoke to multiple classes of students and taught a two-part master class on storytelling and playwriting. Over the course of four days, UMass Lowell students and teachers were treated to stories about growing up on a reservation, as well as insight into what it means to have a career as an author and playwright. In the master class on Friday afternoon, students sat around telling stories about things that happened in their lives. Ryan Perry, a sophomore Theater Arts major, told a very funny story about how he was late to class one day due to getting stuck in the middle of a funeral procession on his way from
east to south campus. Later in the master class, students wrote continuations, preludes or different scenarios of the stories that were shared. Perry wrote about the aftermath of getting stuck in the funeral and the unfortunate events that took place when he was trying to escape without anyone knowing he was there. After the class Perry said, “it’s amazing how small stories from your everyday life can lead to big success.” Growing up, Taylor was very interested in the way people told stories. He accredited his “superpower” of storytelling to his family. He said his lullaby at night was the sound of family and friends laughing and sharing stories outside his window late at night. According to Taylor, “to be a great writer, you have to be a great reader.” At a very young age, Taylor’s mother would bring home books about exotic places and adventures. “All these exotic places and people found their way to this kid on a reserve in Canada… Wouldn’t
it be cool if I could take stories from my little reserve and send them all over the world?” said Taylor. He talked about how he didn’t get much control over his life as a child on a reservation near Peterborough, Canada and how writing was an interesting way of getting to take control over somebody’s life. “In a non-sacrilegious manner, writing is like being God, you get to create people, places, things, problems, you make people fall in love, hate each other, fight, and create problems and solutions, you get to create your own universe,” Taylor said. Taylor has had a very successful writing career; his 287th book is set to be released next month and his 28th in October. Taylor writes plays, essays, articles, novels, and short stories. He writes everything from the aboriginal perspective and considers himself a contemporary storyteller. What is the most important thing about writing according to Taylor? “Give yourself permission to laugh,” said Taylor.
Radio host, Callie Crossley, talks to students about the Civil Rights Movement ►Continued from front page
Ms. Crossley repeatedly emphasized the power of the younger generations, and their core role in any mass movement. “The most memorable thing was how she said that it’s not politicians or mature activists leaders who established change in the movement, but it was the young people involved,” said Tyler Farley, freshman Political Science and Economics double major. She also summarized the main events of the Modern Civil Rights Movement, starting with the landmark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education (1954), tracing its effects and noting white resistance to this decision that desegregated schools, and discussing the Freedom Rides that forced the government to get involved in civil rights. She also explored the effectiveness of the “mature people strategy,” in which one person leads a movement, versus the “young people strategy,” in which the movements gains power from grassroots organizing and involvement from ordinary citizens. Just how Martin Luther King Jr. clashed with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during the Modern Civil Rights Movement, civil rights activists today are clashing along generational lines. Ms. Crossley believes that young people should be the bulk of activists today, at the forefront of Ferguson, but notes how they are conflicting with older activists. She commented on the nature of race relations today, quoting the recent Supreme Court case in Alabama in which the Court ruled that state
legislature used race as too big a factor in 2012 redistricting, keeping black voters in some districts together in excessive concentrations. This ruling has heavy implications for the state and the Court, especially when their racial histories are taken into consideration. Ms. Crossley supported the Court’s decision, agreeing that Alabama redistricting was unconstitutional. Ms. Crossley was one of many key speakers part of UMass Lowell’s Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act Series. Other guest speakers include Professor Jason Sokol on April 2 and Charles Cobb and Judy Richardson on April 30. Photographer Matt Herron is also showcasing his “Selma to Montgomery Photo Exhibition” at University Crossing from now until April 30. Professor Robert Forrant, who currently teaches an Honors Civil Rights seminar, fathered this series of Civil Rights events. Chancellor Meehan and Vice-Chancellor Moloney agreed to support Forrant. “I would hope that students get a better understanding of how hard people fought for the right to vote, how many young people were arrested, how many folks lost their lives. From this history, I hope that students see the importance of political participation and standing up for what is fair and right,” said Forrant.
British debate talks about immigration in the U.S. and E.U. David Rudderham Connector Editor
One by one, students for the opposing team began to stand, trying to get a quick word in before the argument was over. They were waved to sit down by the speaker arguing in favor of the U.S. The event was a debate against the Cambridge Union Society from England who were arguing favorably for the European Union. The topic for the night was about immigrants and whether or not they’re more benefited by moving to an E.U. country or the United States. Of course there is the argument that an immigrant would struggle in either situation because neither the E.U. or the U.S. is actually hospitable to immigrants. This argument was put forth by Mckenzie Mahoney, a student at UMass Lowell. She wasn’t one of the competing debaters but there was a portion of the debate reserved for the crowd where the public was allowed to speak. “We do have [racist leaders] in the United States as well. They’re just as prominent here as they are there. There is no way to discriminate between the disadvantages in the European Union and disadvantages in the U.S. because they are just as bad here as they are there,” said Mahoney. The debaters themselves held similar beliefs after the debate was over. The only real conclusion drawn was that both the E.U. and the U.S. have a lot to do in order to make life for immigrants easier. The two teams were given the topic and two and a half hours to prepare for it. They had to argue a side but in
David Rudderham/Connector
The debate team representing the U.S. point of view sits at the left while the team representing the E.U. sits at the right.
this topic, it could be hard to simply pick one. On one hand the U.S. doesn’t really give as much access to education and free healthcare as their European counterpart. “The American education system today is commercialized. There is nowhere to get a free education,” said Rogers Muyanja, a Cambridge Union debater. Muyanja considers access to education a human right and that it needs to be free. Ruby Holmes, also a Cambridge Union student, argued against the U.S. healthcare system which, while improving under Obama, still hasn’t caught up to the single-payer meth-
od European countries have. “In the U.S. you are entitled to nothing,” says Holmes. But there is an argument to be made against the E.U. For example, the issue of unemployment in the E.U. was brought up by almost every member of the debate team. The E.U. unemployment rate is currently hovering around 10% while the U.S. has dropped down to 5.6% under the Obama administration after the recession. The issue of education grants for higher education was also brought up. The U.S. has more than the E.U. “There aren’t nearly as many grants
UMass Lowell Police Log For Date: 03/23/2015 - Monday MOTOR VEHICLE HIT & RUN Report Taken Location: OLSEN LOT Narrative: RP reporting past damage to her m/v. She believes the damage occurred in the Olsen lot Malicious Destruction Report Taken Location: SPARKS ST GATE Narrative: Gate was broke @ 13:57. Left a message for carpentry. For Date: 03/24/2015 - Tuesday MOTOR VEHICLE STOP Citation/Warning Issued Location: FLETHCER ST Narrative: Vehicle was towed. Citaion issued to the RO of the vehicle. #134 requested a police Information for active student inside the vehicle for poss of class D. Ciation issued for Expired Reg. Tow entered into NCIC. For Date: 03/25/2015 - Wednesday LARCENY /FORGERY/ FRAUD Report Taken Location: FOX HALL Narrative: Student left door unlocked and is reporting $252.00 missing. Report taken for larceny and B&E.
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NEWS
Theater lives through Drew Haden Taylor Samantha Craig
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LARCENY /FORGERY/ FRAUD Report Taken Location: RIVERHAWK SHOP/UC Narrative: Store staff report viewing male unknown decent, wearing black hooded sweatshirt (zipper) on camera place a item inside his sweatshirt unsure of what it was. For Date: 03/26/2015 - Thursday SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY Arrest(s) Made Location: O’LEARY LIBRARY Narrative:the O’Leary Library reference desk believes there is a male at one of the computers who is not suppossed to be on UML property. She states he is playing the volume loud on the computer but not causing a disturbance at this time. Stated the male is white, has a beard and a whiffle haircut. One male in custody for trespass after notice. One male transported from O’Leary Library to LPD. For Date: 03/27/2015 - Friday MEDICAL EMERGENCY Unfounded Location: UNIVERSITY SUITES Narrative: Transportation reported an intoxicated female who was vomitting on the bus. Description was a female with black top or dress. No patient found, all units will be clear. David Rudderham/Connector
The debate moderator addresses the audience and reminds the competitors of the rules while a time keeper sits at the middle
in the U.K. as there is in the U.S.,” said Arun Shanmuganatham, another debater for the American side. However, somehow, despite the extra we give out in grants, the European Union does better. According to Muyanja, the U.S. in math proficiency has dropped from 24th to 29th in the world. The student loan system in the U.S. was also mocked. Language was an important issue for the night as well. Debashree Chakrabarti argued that the U.S. is predominantly an English-speaking country and if you don’t know it, you’ll struggle as an immigrant. “Obama has said that the U.S. is lagging behind in learning a second and third language,” said Chakrabarti. Tim Squirrel argued with Chakrabarti but did admit that “you’ll have to learn a new language no matter where you go.” All of these issues constitute an outline for the struggle for the American dream. Alexander Wright, while understanding the criticisms of United States, simply argued that it is precisely these struggles that pay for the dream itself. “You can have job security after you graduate,” said Wright optimistically. The crowd seemed to share this optimism with 31 voting towards the U.S., 18 voting with the European Union and 5 abstentions. But Arun Shanmuganatham and Muhammad Asadullah Khan both believed that the crowd might have held a bias prior to coming into the debate. Ruby Holmes also spoke of the American dream and how a work ethic couldn’t be distinctly American when so many immigrants come to the E.U. for the same thing. “That is the basis of the American dream right? You have to work,” says Holmes.
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March 31, 2015
CAMPUS LIFE Donut Shack conquers Starch Madness ► Continued from front page
Final Round The Donut Shack (3) vs. Honey Dew (4) There is only one Donut Shack, and there can be only one champion. This match-up isn’t as close as the last one for the shack. Honey Dew only lasts about four or five rounds in the title match, but the Donut Shack comes back stronger every time. Honey Dew is a solid store, but it didn’t have to go through Top Donut or the Donut Shack to make it this far, so this is an overachievement of sorts. Though the bracket didn’t play out this way, Honey Dew is certainly tied with Dunkin’ Donuts for third place in a perfect world.
Honey Dew (4) vs. Hawk’s Nest (5) Honey Dew packs local flavor with chain consistency, a huge plus for the solid four-seed. Like the Donut Shack, Honey’s Dew is minutes from South on Middlesex Street. Their 10 percent discount with UMass Lowell ID is an added treat. Hawk’s Nest has had great donuts in the past, but I have yet to see one this year. Along with downsizing their menu, donuts seem to be fewer and farther between at the South Campus location.
Semifinals Dunkin’ Donuts (1) vs. Honey Dew (4) Some call it an upset, but I think What we’ve learned it’s just desserts. Honey Dew edgMarlon Pitter/Connector Popularity and quantity don’t es past Dunkin’ Donuts on sheer beat quality. All of the donut quality. Sure Dunkin’ has more Lowell’s own Donut Shack wins the 2015 Starch Madness Championship. shops in the bracket are more of a selection, but you simply get is more anticipated than Floyd May- matter if they only sold glazed donuts. more bang for your buck at Honey weather and Manny Pacquiao. In the Quality beats quantity in this match-up. popular than this year’s champion, but Dew. That 10 percent discount doesn’t 12th round, however, the Donut Shack Though Top Donut falls in the semi- what the Donut Shack lacks in adverhurt either. finals, the local shop is a juggernaut in tising or recognition is made up for in emerges victorious. This one comes down to a simple Lowell’s donut hierarchy and a true the quality of their products. The best donuts in the city are waiting for you at Top Donut (2) vs. the Donut Shack taste test, and the Donut Shack manag- runner-up in my book. the Donut Shack. (3) es to stuff more flavor in a donut than This sugar-coated heavyweight bout any other store in the city. It wouldn’t
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March 31, 2015
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 7
SPORTS
Harden, Westbrook, Curry battle for NBA MVP Shane Foley Connector Editor
This season’s MVP race in the NBA may gather quite a lot of intrigue, being that it is actually a race this time. Last year, Kevin Durant became the first not-named-LeBron player to win the award in five years, sans the 20102011 season where Derrick Rose won. This season, we have witnessed the emergence of several newcomers that may shape what the game is to come in the near future. That being said, only three of these future newcomers will be getting the MVP, and the debate over which of these three deserve it continues to rattle the minds of fans. 3. James Harden James Harden deserves credit for a lot of things, most notably resisting the urge to shave his long, shiny beard. Other than that though, he has taken a team that lost Chandler Parsons at the beginning of the year and Dwight Howard to injury, and then took that team to third in the West. His three point shot is as deadly as ever, he has perfected his drive to the basket, and I still want to send get better soon cards to the victims of his criminal crossovers and game winners. Unfortunately though, he hasn’t done much else, including play consistent defense. He is learning to share the ball more, but has a way to go as far as running the offense. Still he has prov-
en he can nearly single-handedly carry this team, landing him a spot on my list. 2. Russell Westbrook Whereas Harden deserves much praise for dealing with Howard’s injury, Russell Westbrook deserves twice that in dealing with Kevin Durant’s. With some help from Kanter, Westbrook could be considered as single-handedly putting the Thunder into the playoffs. He is close to un-guardable, as he can be seen several times this season taking double teams and splitting them on his way to the basket. He’s also in double digits for triple doubles. He definitely wins best scorer in the NBA, but the MVP is best player in the NBA, and I think one person trumps him in this regard. 1. Stephen Curry Of the three players in this race, Stephen Curry is the only one to be mentioned in a Drake song. He is also shooting .481 from the field at the moment. True, he is on arguably the best team right now, but that shouldn’t take away from his play. While Westbrook has been equally surprising, he may be gaining points for the absence of Kevin Durant. Curry is standing out on a team of all stars, which may be considered more impressive. The other big reason why I see Curry above Harden and Westbrook is his development though. Harden has always had a tenacious jumpshot, and
that is not the only tool in his arsenal. How many times have you seen Curry on Sports Center picking apart the defense with a crazy behind the back dribble or a hesitation that shakes his defender out of his shoes? His handles are becoming “too hard to handle” (pun not intended…actually it was). Curry is on a consistent basis drawing two defenders and finding the open teammate as well. He has improved his assist game, he has learned the offense, he Stephen Curry has lead the Warriors to their first ever 60 win is becoming a season. dribble magician, and I find these Westbrook has always had a quick move to the basket, and a nice long things more valuable than the skills shot of his own. Curry has built his of the other players. fame on shooting the three ball, but Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images
River Hawks can’t stop Buffaloes, fall 17-7 UMass Lowell Athletics
LOWELL, Mass. – Emily Wright (Avon, Conn.) scored a career-high three goals, as the UMass Lowell women’s lacrosse team fell to the Colorado Buffaloes, 17-7, Friday afternoon at Wicked Blue Field. “I am really proud of our girls, we were at a turning point after last game, and they responded very well to what the coaches were telling them this week,” said Head Coach Carissa Medeiros. “We finally broke our six-goal curse, we had girls had break out games out. Erin (Hatch) was a maniac out there and added her first career goal. Even though there was a solid margin of loss, I’m glad the girls are seeing more than that, and seeing that it was a good overall game.” Wright opened up the scoring for the River Hawks (0-10) with 15:50 remaining in the first half, using a spin move to create space behind the net, and fired a shot to beat Paige Soenksen.
The Buffaloes (5-3) used a quick start to take a 5-0 lead before Wright’s goal, and took a 12-1 into the final minute of play in the first half. Devon McKercher (Vestal, N.Y.) scored with seven seconds left on the clock, taking a pass from Taylor Sokol (Hopkinton, Mass.) and one-timing a low shot into the back of the net. UMass Lowell scored the first three goals of the second half, starting off with Wright’s second of the game. With just under three minutes gone in the half the midfielder sent a low bouncing shot from outside the 8-meter arc the beat Sophia Gambitsky. Wright completed the hat-trick over three minutes later at 23:28, taking a pass from McKercher and sending into the twine for her 10th goal of the season. McKercher scored her second of the game 1:26 after Wright’s strike with 22:02 on the clock. The Vetstal, N.Y. native is tied for third on the team with seven goals. After a run of five straight Colorado goals, Micaela Sanborn (Chelmsford, Mass.) scored on a
free-position shot with 3:35 left regulation. Erin Hatch (Billerica, Mass.) scored her first career goal with 40 seconds left in the game. The midfielder made a juke move at around the fan to get around a defender, then sent a low rocket into the left corner from inside the arc. The Buffaloes were led by Darby Kiernan’s six points (4g, 2g), Katie Macleay added six points as well, scoring three times and dishing out three helpers. Soenksen made four saves in the first half for the win. Gambitsky and Annee O’Connor combined to play the second half. Courtney Barrett (South Burlington, Vt.) made nine saves in the loss, upping her total to 102 on the season. She also had a team-high three caused turnovers, and also recorded three ground balls. The River Hawks travel to Binghamton for their second America East contest on March 29, to take on the Bearcats at 12 p.m.
River Hawks Men’s Lacrosse downed by UAlbany, 25-0 UMass Lowell Athletics
ALBANY, N.Y. – The UMass Lowell men’s lacrosse team was upended by No. 10/9 UAlbany 250, Saturday afternoon at John Fallon Field. “I thought we played tight today and a team of that caliber is going to take advantage,” said Head Coach Ed Stephenson. “UAlbany is a very good team and if they continue to improve they can win
a national championship.” With the help of four first-period goals by Connor Fields, the Great Danes (7-1, 3-0) built a 9-0 lead after a quarter of play. UAlbany scored three goals in the opening 90 seconds of the second quarter and carried a 16-0 lead into halftime. UMass Lowell (1-8, 0-3) goalkeeper Alex Desmarais (Atkinson, N.H.) recorded a game-high ten saves for the River Hawks before Giles Ober (South-
borough, Mass.) came on in relief to stop eight shots. Freshman Cory Highfield (Toronto, Ontario) scooped up a team-best three ground balls. Fields ended the game with nine points (7g, 2a) for the Great Danes while Lyle Thompson, Justin Reh and John Glancy each registered two goals. Overall, UAlbany tallied 15 different goal scorers in the contest.
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 8
March 31, 2015
SPORTS
River Hawks show character in 11-9 victory over Northeastern UMass Lowell Athletics
BOSTON, Mass. – Less than 24 hours after suffering their fourth straight one-run loss, the UMass Lowell baseball team responded with an 11-9 character win over Northeastern at Friedman Diamond. “We’ve been in these games for it seems like the last two weeks. Close ballgames, coming from behind and we just hadn’t gotten over the hump but today we did,” said Head Coach Ken Harring. “It’s a tribute to the character of these guys, there’s a lot of fight on our team.” The River Hawks (4-10) offense got going early and answered the Huskies (7-14) each time they put runs on the board. Seven players had at least one RBI for UMass Lowell while Ian Strom (Hopedale, Mass.), Jimmy Ricoy (Lowell, Mass.) and Zack Tower (Auburn, Mass.) each knocked in two. After allowing nine runs in five innings to the Huskies Harring called on Steve Xirinachs (San Diego, Calif.), Tim Fallon (Huntingtown, Md.)
and Strom. The trio blanked NU over the final four frames and gave the offense an opportunity to pull out the back-and-forth affair that had six lead changes. The River Hawks did just that with Ricoy sending the game-tying RBI single through the left side in the seventh before the team capitalized on back-to-back errors in the eighth by Northeastern second baseman Keith Kelly. Kelly’s second error came on a ball hit up the middle by Joe Consolmagno (Worcester, Mass.) that he sailed into left field to bring in the go-ahead run and just two batters before Strom brought Conslmagno around for insurance. Fallon threw two innings and picked up his first career win as he and Xirinachs surrendered one hit to Northeastern over their three innings. Strom’s second save of the season came in dramatic fashion as he gave up a leadoff walk and single before striking out Joey Scambia looking and Kelly swinging. The UML lefty then hit a batter to load the bases before getting Maxwell Burt to fly out
U P C OM I N G
a 3-2 pitch to center and River Hawk Games end the teams five-game slide. Tuesday, Mar. 31 2 pm Softball vs. Bryant (DH) The River Hawks struck in the opening Tuesday, Mar. 31 4 pm Softball vs. Bryant (DH) frame when Matthew 3 pm Baseball at URI Sanchez (Sunrise, Fla.) Wed, Apr. 1 ripped a double between 7 pm Women’s Lax vs. UNH the shortstop and third Wed, Apr. 1 baseman to bring Dan3 pm Baseball at Binhamton ny Mendick (Roches- Thursday, Apr. 2 ter, N.Y.) around. The Huskies answered back in the home half of the For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com inning when Rob Fonseca hit a ground-rule series to begin conference play against double to left center to push in a run America East pre-season favorite before Pat Madigan sent a two-RBI Stony Brook. double over the head of Ian Strom (Hopedale, Mass.) in right to take a 3-1 lead. Catcher Brice Erickson (Leominster, Mass.) hit a one out single to center in the second and came home on Zack Tower’s (Auburn, Mass.) first home run of the season that sailed well over the left field fence. The River Hawks continue their ten game road swing with a three game
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