Preview: Wagner Seahawks at New Haven Chargers

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams seeking momentum in Northeast Conference play will meet Saturday when the New Haven Chargers host the Wagner Seahawks at Charger Gymnasium.

Both squads enter with sub-.500 overall records. Wagner is 6-9 following a string of narrow conference losses, while New Haven sits at 7-10 after a decisive home win last weekend.

The Seahawks look to snap a three-game skid, with each defeat coming by four points or fewer. Their most recent outing was a crushing 70-69 home loss to Mercyhurst on Jan. 10, where Nick Jones scored 20 points. Wagner’s recent struggles have occurred despite solid play from forward Bryan Akanamu, who posted eight points, seven rebounds and four assists in that narrow defeat. Akanamu has been a consistent contributor, averaging 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds over his last five games.

New Haven arrives with some confidence after a 65-55 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson on Jan. 10. The Chargers’ defense held FDU to 32.8% shooting from the field. Guard Andre Pasha led the offensive effort with 16 points and four rebounds. Pasha has been a key scorer for New Haven, averaging 11.2 points over his last five contests, including an 18-point performance in a loss to Central Connecticut.

The matchup features two programs trying to climb the NEC standings early in the conference schedule. Wagner has shown an ability to score, averaging 73.4 points per game in its last five, but its defense has faltered late in close games. New Haven will rely on its recent defensive form, having held its last two opponents under 73 points, to counteract Wagner’s attack.

History will be made as this marks the first scheduled meeting between the programs as NCAA Division I conference foes. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

Wagner’s next game is at Fairleigh Dickinson on Jan. 19. New Haven travels to face Chicago State on the same date.