Skyhawks Soar into Mullins Center for Bay State Battle Against Minutewomen

The hardwood will be ablaze with Bay State rivalry as the Stonehill Skyhawks journey to Amherst to face the UMass Minutewomen on March 20, 2025, at the iconic William D. Mullins Center. This intrastate clash promises to be a captivating affair, showcasing the grit and determination of two teams eager to etch their names in college basketball lore. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, and fans nationwide can catch the action through Fubo.

Both teams enter this contest carrying the weight of recent defeats, adding an extra layer of urgency to their quest for victory. The UMass Minutewomen are reeling from a 67-57 setback against Saint Louis on Thursday, a game where they struggled to contain the Billikens’ offensive firepower. Meanwhile, the Stonehill Skyhawks are licking their wounds after a 66-49 loss to Fairleigh Dickinson on Sunday, a performance that left them searching for answers on both ends of the court.

For UMass, the sting of the Saint Louis loss is particularly acute, given their aspirations for a strong finish to the season. In that contest, Yahmani McKayle emerged as a bright spot for the Minutewomen, pouring in 15 points and providing a much-needed offensive spark. However, McKayle’s individual brilliance wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s collective struggles, leaving Coach Tory Verdi and her squad searching for solutions.

On the Stonehill side, Sharn Hayward led the charge in their defeat against Fairleigh Dickinson, contributing a team-high 12 points. However, Hayward’s efforts were ultimately in vain, as the Skyhawks struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Knights team. Coach Carrie MacNeil will undoubtedly be emphasizing the need for greater consistency and a more balanced offensive attack as they prepare to face the Minutewomen.

Despite their recent setbacks, both UMass and Stonehill have demonstrated flashes of brilliance throughout the season. The Minutewomen, boasting a 16-14 record, have proven to be a formidable opponent on their home court, leveraging their size and athleticism to dominate opponents in the paint. Their ability to control the boards and generate second-chance opportunities will be crucial against the Skyhawks.

Meanwhile, the Stonehill Skyhawks, with a 17-15 record, have established themselves as a scrappy and resilient team, capable of pulling off upsets against higher-ranked opponents. Their success hinges on their ability to execute their game plan with precision, utilizing their perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm.

One intriguing aspect of this matchup is the recent uptick in scoring for both teams. UMass has been averaging 63.3 points per game in their last 10 outings, a slight increase from their season average of 63.0 points. This suggests that the Minutewomen have been finding their offensive groove in recent weeks, and Coach Verdi will be hoping that this trend continues against Stonehill.

Similarly, the Skyhawks have been averaging 65.9 points per contest in their last 10 games, surpassing their season average of 64.3 points. This indicates that Stonehill’s offense has been gaining momentum, and Coach MacNeil will be eager to see her team maintain this level of productivity against a tough UMass defense.

The key to victory for UMass will be their ability to contain Stonehill’s perimeter shooters and prevent them from getting into a comfortable offensive rhythm. The Minutewomen’s defensive intensity and ability to close out on shooters will be critical in disrupting the Skyhawks’ offensive flow. Offensively, UMass needs to establish a strong inside presence and exploit their size advantage to generate easy scoring opportunities.

For Stonehill, the key lies in their ability to execute their game plan with precision and maintain their defensive intensity throughout the contest. The Skyhawks need to limit UMass’s second-chance opportunities and force them into contested shots. On the offensive end, Stonehill needs to move the ball effectively, find open looks, and capitalize on their perimeter shooting prowess.

This matchup between UMass and Stonehill represents more than just a game; it’s a battle for bragging rights in the Bay State. Both teams are fiercely competitive and eager to prove their mettle on the court. With a raucous crowd expected at the Mullins Center, the atmosphere will be electric, adding to the intensity of the contest.

The stakes are high for both teams. For UMass, a victory would provide a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum as they look to finish the season on a strong note. For Stonehill, a win against a formidable opponent like UMass would be a significant accomplishment and a testament to their resilience and determination.

As the clock ticks down to tip-off, anticipation is building for this intrastate showdown. Basketball fans throughout Massachusetts and beyond are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans, eager to witness the drama, excitement, and passion that only college basketball can provide. Tune in to Fubo at 6 p.m. ET on March 20, 2025, to witness the spectacle as the Stonehill Skyhawks and UMass Minutewomen battle for Bay State supremacy. This is a game you won’t want to miss.