Owl Men Fly Into Matchup With Framingham on Wednesday

WESTFIELD, MA - The Westfield State men's basketball team will host Framingham state at the Woodward Center on Wednesday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Westfield (15-4) previously defeated Framingham (3-15) the first time they met earlier this month on January 8 at Framingham with an final score of 69-60. Westfield sits in second place in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, one game behind first place. Framingham is currently in last place in the conference. 

Westfield has had a great year so far and is deep in talent, led by Brendon Hamilton, Justin Rennis, and JT Thompson.

Hamilton, a junior forward, has been locked in all season averaging an impressive 16.6 ppg along with a strong 14.8 rebounds per game. Hamilton recorded 18 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks the last time the Owls played against the Rams.  Hamilton was ranked number one in the nation for rebounds in D3 basketball during the week of January 25, averaging 15.7 rpg entering the week.

Senior guard/ forward, Justin Rennis, averages a solid 13.5 ppg, making him the second leading scorer for the Owls. Rennis also averages 5.3 rpg along with 2.6 apg making him a versatile threat to opposing teams. Rennis did not play the first time the Owls met the Rams.

Thompson, a junior guard for the Owls, is the third leading scorer for the team, averaging 11.7 ppg, 36.7% from three-point range, and 83.8% from the FT line.Thompson's three-point shooting is crucial for the Owls.

Framingham has struggled to find wins this season but come into the match up fresh off a win against Fitchburg.

The Rams have been led by some young talent. Sophomore guard Jahden Erold, has had a strong year averaging 11.9 ppg with a three-pt percentage of 37.5% and 4.4 rpg. He put up 27 points last time he saw the Owls , finishing 12-15 fg attempts, going 3-3 from behind the arc.

Junior guard Javaris Hill , averages 11.3 ppg this season while averaging 5.6 rpg, making his the second leading scorer for Framingham
         
The Rams' third-leading scorer , Freshman guard , Ivan Nyantenji , is averaging 10.8 ppg. Nyantenji currently has a three-point percentage of 40.7% and went 3-5 from three last time facing the Owls, finishing with a total of 20 points.

Masks are mandatory for all spectators at Westfield State indoor events.

-- written by Eric Perez, sports information intern