By Anthony Covino
The Knights have had a 20-day break between their last away game against Holy Cross and their next away game, tonight at the University of Massachusetts. The Knights used that long layover to watch film and dissect the problems they faced in the beginning of their season.
On Dec. 12, the Knights went on to defeat Army 93-84 at the Rothman Center on Military Appreciation Night. Senior Darnell Edge led the way with 24 points. Sophomore Elyjah Williams added 20 points and 8 rebounds, sophomore Jahlil Jenkins had 19 points and 9 rebounds, sophomore Xzavier Malone-Key had 13 points, and senior Mike Holloway Jr. added 10 points and 8 rebounds. The Knights had a nice scoring night as five players scored in double digits.
On Dec. 15, the Knights played NJIT, and they could not continue their winning ways as they lost 90-80. Jenkins had 16 points, Edge had 16 points, Holloway Jr. had 10 points, and junior Kaleb Bishop added 16 points.
The Knights looked to get back to their winning ways on Dec. 19 as they hosted Saint Peter’s. The Knights defeated Saint Peter’s 83-74. Edge had 21 points, and shot a perfect 10-10 at the free throw line. Malone-Key had 18 points, and shot a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line as well. Jenkins added 13 points, Holloway Jr. had 12 points. Bishop added 10 points, in addition to shooting a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line.
The Knights traveled to play University of Massachusetts tonight with a record of 5-5. This game would determine whether the Knights would be able to get one game above .500 or one game below the mark. This game was broadcast live on ESPN+. The Knights lost a nail-biter 85-84, where they were held scoreless for the last 90 seconds of the game.
Rashaan Holloway of UMASS is the older brother of Knights senior Michael Holloway Jr. The Holloway brothers combined for 33 total points in this game.
Jenkins had 19 points and 8 rebounds, Malone-Key had 15 points, Holloway Jr. had 15 points, Bishop added 16 points, Edge had 11 points, and Williams had eight points.
The Knights struggles continued as they cannot consistently win games coming down the stretch late in games.
The Knights defense has been a cause of concern through the early part of the season as they found themselves 206th in the nation surrendering 72.5 ppg entering tonight’s contest.
The Knights record now stands at 5-6 and are second in the Northeast Conference. The Knights will look to bounce back against the University of South Florida on Dec. 29 in a game which will also be broadcast live on ESPN3.
