Suffolk women’s basketball hosts UMass Boston for its home opener this Saturday at noon on the Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court.
Coming off their first victory of the 2026-27 campaign, the Rams look to capitalize on momentum under new head coach Allison Chernow against a familiar inner-city rival.
The matchup serves as a critical bridge between the team’s opening tournament play and the start of the Conference of New England (CNE) schedule. Having secured a 59-54 win against King’s (Pa.) to conclude the LaFrance Hospitality Tournament, the Rams are recalibrating their rotation before a high-stakes conference opener against Johnson & Wales on Wednesday, November 18.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Ava Thurman’s Usage Rate: As the primary facilitator leading the team with 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, Thurman remains a consistent asset for the Rams.
- Rotation Depth: With Allison Howe earning All-Tournament honors and Jordan Moreau providing secondary scoring, coach Allison Chernow’s rotation is utilized early in the season.
- Defensive Efficiency: Following a 21-point third-quarter surge in their last outing, the Rams’ ability to maintain that offensive pace against UMass Boston will be monitored.
Rams Adjust Tactics to Overcome Halftime Deficits
After dropping an initial 73-64 contest to MIT, the Rams changed their tactics against King’s (Pa.), successfully erasing a six-point halftime deficit. The ability to execute in the paint and manage the clock down the stretch was the hallmark of that win, according to The Official Athletics Site of Suffolk University.
Howe has emerged as the offensive focal point, averaging 11.5 points per game. Her ability to operate in the high post will be tested against a UMass Boston defense that returns its top seven scorers from a 14-12 campaign last season. The Beacons, who opened their schedule with an exhibition against Division I opponent Boston University on November 10, bring a level of continuity that often challenges early-season defensive schemes.
Programs Meet for First Time Since 2016
Saturday’s game marks the first meeting between these programs since November 15, 2016, when Suffolk edged out a 73-70 victory. While the Rams trail the all-time series 10-15 since 1989, the decade-long hiatus adds an element of unpredictability to the tactical whiteboard. Both squads are looking to establish their identity before the intensity of conference play takes center stage.
The Beacons arrive with a balanced scoring attack led by Madison Haggett, who averaged 11.3 points per game last season. Alongside Ashleigh Lagor, who anchored the glass with 4.6 rebounds per contest, UMass Boston provides a physical test for Suffolk’s frontcourt. The Rams will rely on Ava Thurman to mitigate the Beacons’ interior presence, as the team prepares for the upcoming CNE schedule.
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allison Howe (Suffolk) | 11.5 | 3.5 | 2.0 |
| Ava Thurman (Suffolk) | 8.5 | 7.0 | 2.5 |
| Madison Haggett (UMB) | 11.3 | 3.8 | N/A |
| Ashleigh Lagor (UMB) | 10.8 | 4.6 | N/A |
Preparing for Conference Play
Beyond the immediate challenge of the Beacons, the Rams are managing the transition toward a more rigorous CNE calendar. The Official Athletics Site of Suffolk University notes that the team’s ability to sustain defensive intensity remains a point of emphasis for the coaching staff. With Johnson & Wales looming on November 18, the coaching staff is preparing for the team’s upcoming conference play.
“The Rams used a 21-point third-quarter surge to erase a six-point halftime deficit and held on down the stretch,” the report from the University stated regarding the team’s ability to close out tight contests. Whether the squad can replicate that efficiency against a veteran-heavy UMass Boston lineup will be an indicator of their development heading into the 2026-27 season.
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