Carl Pierre will spend his final college basketball season at Rice, the UMass senior announced on Twitter and Instagram on Thursday.
The Boston native spent four years as a Minuteman and was a captain for the past two. He’s UMass’ second-leading 3-point maker all time (286). Pierre announced his intent to enter the transfer portal March 17. Though Pierre was a senior last year and played four years at UMass, he has an additional year of eligibility due to a COVID-19 exemption.
Rice went 15-13 last season under coach Scott Pera. The Owls haven’t been to the NCAA tournament since 1970 or NIT since 2005. Sophomore Quincy Olivari led Rice in scoring at 16.3 points per game. Rice, located in Houston, had four players average double figures and shot 44 percent from 3 as a team.
Pierre is the second UMass men’s basketball player to enter the portal. Sophomore center Tre Mitchell declared his intentions March 15. He hasn’t announced anything concrete about his future.
UMass 21, Duquesne 4 — Kaitlyn Cerasi notched eight points with five assists, as the Minutewomen won their sixth straight game.
Haley Connaughton scored five goals with two assists. Stephanie Croke had a hat trick and two assists. Olivia Muscella added three goals. Thirteen Minutewomen featured in the scoring.
Lauren Hiller made seven saves and picked up the victory.