Larry Levanti Photo
Larry Levanti Photo

Bryant, UMass meet Monday on NESN

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's basketball team will make its second appearance ever on NESN when it faces the University of Massachusetts on Monday afternoon. Tip is set for 4:00 p.m. at the Mullins Center in Amherst, Mass.  

Bryant is 6-2 on the year, matching its best start in DI program history. In addition to airing regionally on NESN, Monday's game will also be streamed on ESPN+. 

NESN in Rhode Island
Cox - 56 | 725 (HD)
Verizon (Pawtucket) - 56 | 725 (HD)
Verizon (Providence) - 76 | 576 (HD)

The Particulars
Opponent:
 Massachusetts
Location: Mullins Center (Amherst, Mass.)
Date and Time: Monday, Dec. 21 – 4 p.m.
Watch: NESN | ESPN+
NESN Listings: NESN
Live Stats:
 Sidearm Stats
Listen:
UMass Sports Network
Game Notes:
 Bryant
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #KEB1 | #NECMBB

THE SERIES
Bryant and UMass are meeting for just the second time in program history. The only other meeting between the two programs was in 1980, an 85-76 victory for the Minutemen. Bryant will be facing a member of the Atlantic-10 for just the fourth time in program history (UMass, URI, Fordham, Richmond). 

SCOUTING THE MINUTEMEN
UMass has played three games this season, posting a 2-1 record. The Minutemen opened A-10 play with an 85-66 victory over La Salle on Wednesday. UMass is led by one of the best big men in the country, Tre Mitchell. Mitchell is averaging 26.0 points per game, including a career-high 37 against La Salle. 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Bryant's 6-2 start matches the 2013-14 team for the best in DI program history. The Bulldogs are also 3-1 in NEC play for the first time since 2015-16 (4-1).   
  • Bryant became the first team in the NEC since 2003, and the first Bryant team in DI program history, to score 100+ points in back-to-back games (138 vs. RIC and 101 vs. SFBK). 
  • The Bulldogs are also the first team in NEC history to start the season with six-straight games of at least 80 points.
  • Bryant now ranks ninth nationally in scoring average 92.9) and is third nationally in tempo according to kenpom.com. 
  • Head coach Jared Grasso is in his third season on the Bryant sidelines, having posted a 31-39 record.
  • Michael Green III leads the charge, averaging 16.9 ppg, 5.1 apg and 4.0 rpg. He's posted 20+ points in two of the last three games and collected his first-career double-double on Dec. 17 against Wagner with 20 points and 10 assists. 
  • Green III became the first player in program history to post 20+ points and 10+ assists in the same game. 
  • Peter Kiss has posted five 20-point games this season and leads the Black and Gold with 17.0 ppg. He's shooting 53 percent from the field and 83 percent from the line. 
  • Chris Childs is one of the top three-point shooters in the country, ranking 7th nationally with 24 made threes. He also ranks 29th in 3s per game (3.4) and 30th in three-point field goal percentage (49.1).
  • Charles Pride is averaging 14.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 3.0 apg on the year. He's scored in double-figures in seven of eight outings. 
  • Hall Elisias posted a near triple-double on Dec. 17, finishing with 12 points, 10 boards and 7 blocks. He now ranks 10th nationally with 3.0 blocks per game. 
  • Elisias became just the second player in DI program history (Dan Garvin) to post 100+ blocks in a career.  

Follow Bryant University men's basketball on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.