Pat Duquette has quietly built one of the more consistent programs in the America East.
Building a Steady Winner in Lowell
Known to many as the brother of former MLB executive Jim Duquette, Pat has carved out his own legacy in college basketball. Now in his 13th season leading UMass Lowell, he’s chasing a fourth straight winning campaign.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. The River Hawks endured nine straight losing seasons to start Duquette’s tenure, but things have turned in recent years. A 26-win campaign in 2022-23 was followed by a 22-10 season, and last year’s 17-15 finish showed continued stability even with roster turnover. Over the last three seasons, UMass Lowell has gone 28-20 in conference play.
Closing the Gap in the America East
Despite their steady rise, the River Hawks are still searching for that elusive conference title. Last season ended with a 72-64 loss to Maine in the America East quarterfinals, marking the second straight defeat to the Black Bears to close the year.
The league’s preseason poll placed UMass Lowell fourth, behind Vermont, Maine, and Albany, but they did earn one first-place vote. That suggests coaches across the league see potential in this roster to make another push up the standings.
Early Momentum in 2025-26
The new season began with an emphatic 107-55 win over Rivier, where newcomer Austin Green led the way with 21 points in just 20 minutes. Fellow newcomer Jared Frey added 10 points and five assists, providing a glimpse of a balanced and fast-paced attack.
Next up is a major challenge, a road trip to face Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies. The River Hawks will then host New Haven before hitting the road for matchups with Columbia, Wake Forest, Bradley, Saint Peter’s, and Stonehill to close out November.
Looking Ahead
Duquette has UMass Lowell positioned for sustained success. The challenge now is taking that next step, breaking through for a conference crown and an NCAA Tournament berth. If the River Hawks can maintain their recent upward trend, 2025-26 could be the year they finally get there.