CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (Interstat) — The Massachusetts Minutemen look to continue their strong start when they face the College of Charleston Cougars in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday at the U.V.I. Sports and Fitness Center.

Massachusetts (3-1) enters the contest with momentum after an 84-77 home victory over Central Connecticut on Sunday. Leonardo Bettiol led the way with a dominant 19-point, 15-rebound double-double, while K’Jei Parker added 22 points. The Minutemen’s only loss this season was a 78-72 defeat to Marshall on Nov. 3.

The Cougars (2-3) are looking to rebound from a 71-62 home loss to Drake on Monday. Jlynn Counter scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the defeat. College of Charleston’s wins have come against South Carolina State and Tusculum, but it has dropped its other three contests by an average of 16 points.

The game is part of a multi-team event in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It will be the first meeting between the programs.

After this contest, Massachusetts returns home to face Harvard on Dec. 3. College of Charleston’s next game is at home against Belmont on Nov. 30.