Bettiol’s big night leads UMass men’s basketball to first win of 2025-26 season

AMHERST — The UMass men’s basketball team bounced back after a loss in its first game of the season to Marshall earlier in the week by dealing Albany an 83-62 loss at the Mullins Center on Saturday night.

The Minutemen looked very different from their initial game as their 21-point victory came from consistent success on both sides, which was a rare sight in Monday’s season-opener.

Leonardo Bettiol led the way for UMass offensively, finishing the night with 23 points. He was an efficient 8-of-12 from the floor, also hitting the one 3-pointer he attempted.

The Abilene Christian transfer had most of his success in the paint, finishing with a combination of strength and touch around the rim. Bettiol is cementing himself as one of the Minutemen’s main scoring options by averaging more than 15 points through two games.

“I don’t know why nobody gave us credit for signing [Bettiol],” UMass head coach Frank Martin said. “[He] averaged 14 points a game [last season]… he shot 58% from the field in Division I basketball… Leo’s a really good player.”

A big element of Bettiol’s breakout night was due to Marcus Banks Jr., UMass’ high scorer against Marshall, struggling to generate offense against the Great Danes on Saturday.

The UMBC transfer came into the game dealing with an injury that he suffered at Wednesday’s practice. Albany also made it a point to constantly be in Banks Jr.’s face, not allowing him to utilize his elite shooting ability.

Despite struggling on the offensive end, Banks Jr. helped his team defensively throughout the game. He was a part of an aggressive UMass unit that created problems for the Great Danes.

Albany entered Saturday’s contest 0-1, following a tough loss to Marquette, where Amir Lindsey had 20 points. Against the Minutemen’s stifling defense, Lindsey went just 2-of-12 from the field, and had his team’s worst plus/minus at -22.

“I wanted to go zone [Saturday] for a little bit, but I thought our man was so good, and we have to learn how to guard, especially on the perimeter,” Martin said. “Our perimeter defense has to be really good so we can limit how many plays there are at the rim. I think we’ve taken big steps forward there.”

The two main returning minutes-getters from last year’s team, Daniel Hankins-Sanford and Jayden Ndjigue, were impactful on both ends as well, showcasing their collective comfort level and growth in Martin’s system.

Hankins-Sanford bounced back after struggling on Monday, finishing Saturday’s contest with 14 points and 10 assists. As an undersized big man, the senior utilized his athleticism to fly around on both ends, while attacking rebounds in the air.

“I knew after the first game, that it was another opportunity to go out there and compete, have fun and help my guys out better than I did the first game,” Hankins-Sanford said. “I was looking forward to it from the end of that game.”

Ndjigue similarly filled up the stat sheet against Albany, nearing a triple-double. The junior tallied nine points, eight assists and seven rebounds, including five on the offensive end.

With his willingness to do the dirty work, Ndjigue sees a lot of playing time for Martin, with him proving why he deserves to on Saturday. His energy helps to spark positivity in his team, while not being a flashy player.

“[Ndjigue] is the first one in the gym and the last one outside the gym every single day,” Bettiol said. “He works really hard… I’m happy for him seeing that. He can be really good for us. He plays super hard. We need him. Hopefully, he can keep it up like that.”

Up next is a matchup at the Mullins Center against Le Moyne on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

“To watch us come out here and play [Saturday] the way we 99% of the time we practice, hopefully that reinforces to them, that that’s who we are, but that’s a journey,” Martin said. “We’ve got to go through the season and learn. We’ve got a really good basketball team.”

Women’s basketball

The UMass women’s basketball team won its second game in a row to start the new season in Saturday’s home opener, handily defeating Siena, 84-73 at the Mullins Center.

Allie Palmieri led the way for the Minutewomen offensively, scoring 20 points. The graduate went an efficient 9-of-13 from the field, adding four rebounds and two assists.

Close behind Palmieri was Yahmani McKayle, who tallied 19 points and eight assists against the Saints. With back-to-back games in double figures, McKayle is getting off to a quick start to her sophomore year.

“I think overall, our team, we’re coming together quicker than last year,” McKayle said. “Having [my teammates] run with me, it made it easier for me to get points, finding gaps in the offense.”

Megan Olbrys had a bounce-back game on Saturday, netting 16 points along with five rebounds and four assists. After an inefficient first game of the season, the senior went 7-of-10 from the floor, and 1-of-2 from three.

A 10-point night out of Ayanna Franks made it four-of-five UMass starters to finish with double-digit points. With such a balanced scoring attack, the unselfishness of the Minutewomen was on full display, totaling 26 assists as a team.

“It just speaks to the type of team we want to be,” UMass head coach Mike Leflar said. “Multiple threats, ball movement, selflessness, and I think statistically, that backs that up. Hopefully that’s who we can be throughout the season.”

With the win, UMass moves to 2-0 to start the 2025-26 campaign.

The Minutewomen take on Harvard in their next game on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Tipoff from the Mullins Center is set for 6 p.m.

“We have a lot to grow from, a lot to improve on, and as long as our group is willing to go on that journey together, great things are ahead,” Leflar said. “I’m really proud that we are 2-0, proud of our result [Saturday].”