Preview: Struggling Northeastern Visits Hampton in Colonial Clash

HAMPTON, Va. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to halt late-season slides will meet Saturday when the Hampton Pirates host the Northeastern Huskies in a Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball game.

The game at the Convocation Center tips off at a time to be announced.

Hampton (12-17 overall) enters on a three-game losing streak after falling 85-71 to College of Charleston at home on Thursday. The Pirates have lost five of their last six contests.

Northeastern (6-20) has fared worse, mired in a seven-game losing streak. The Huskies are coming off an 82-68 home loss to Hofstra on Feb. 21, a game in which forward Youri Fritz posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Fritz, a key player for the Huskies, has been inconsistent recently. He followed his double-double with a two-point performance against Drexel on Feb. 19. Containing Hampton guard Michael Eley will be a priority for Northeastern’s defense. Eley is coming off a 17-point, five-rebound effort in 18 minutes off the bench in a loss at Stony Brook on Feb. 21.

Despite their records, both teams have shown an ability to compete within the conference. Hampton secured a double-overtime win over Elon on Feb. 5 and edged William & Mary 77-74 on Feb. 7. Northeastern pushed College of Charleston to a tight 89-84 finish on Jan. 31.

The Pirates won the first meeting this season, defeating the Huskies 78-68 on Jan. 10 in Boston. Hampton’s defense forced 15 turnovers in that victory.

Saturday’s contest represents one of the final opportunities for each team to build momentum before the CAA tournament. Following this game, Northeastern will host Monmouth on March 3, while Hampton will travel to face William & Mary the same day.