Hartford beats UMass Lowell 89-75 in America East tourney

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Malik Ellison scored 26 points to lead third-seeded Hartford to an 89-75 victory over No. 6 seed UMass Lowell on Saturday in an America East Conference tournament quarterfinal.

Hartford (17-15) advances to a conference tourney semifinal for the third straight season and will play on Tuesday.

Ellison was 10 of 13 from the floor, 6-of-6 shooting from the free-throw line and blocked two shots. Hunter Marks had 17 points, and Traci Carter added 14 points and six assists for the Hawks.

Christian Lutete and Obadiah Noel scored 23 points apiece for UMass Lowell (13-19). Connor Withers added 10 points.

The game was tied 38-all at halftime. Ellison’s alley-oop dunk opened the second half to spark a 15-7 surge for a 53-44 lead. UMass Lowell pulled within six points midway through the second half but didn’t get closer.

Ellison capped the Hawks’ scoring with two minutes to play and blocked his second shot on the ensuing possession.