Preview: New Hampshire Wildcats at UMBC Retrievers

CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — The UMBC Retrievers look to continue their strong start to conference play when they host the struggling New Hampshire Wildcats in an America East men’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Retriever Activities Center.

The Retrievers (8-6 overall) opened their league schedule with a 69-62 home win over Maine on Thursday. They are led by guard Ace Valentine, who scored 14 points in that victory and is averaging 14.3 points and 6.0 assists over his last three games. UMBC has shown offensive firepower, scoring 93 points in a blowout win at Coppin State on Dec. 29, but has also faced setbacks against higher-caliber opponents like South Florida and Georgetown.

New Hampshire (4-11) arrives seeking to halt a four-game skid, most recently a 76-80 loss at NJIT on Thursday. The Wildcats have found consistent production from guard KiJan Robinson, who scored 16 points against NJIT and poured in 22 in a loss to Vermont on Jan. 3. Beyond Robinson, Comeh Emuobor (18 points vs. NJIT) and Davide Poser have provided supplementary scoring, but the team has struggled defensively, allowing 80 or more points in six of their 11 losses.

The matchup pits UMBC’s more balanced record and home-court advantage against a New Hampshire team desperate for a conference road win. The Retrievers have been strong at home this season, with notable victories over Notre Dame and Wagner in Catonsville.

Historically, America East contests are often tightly contested, and this game could hinge on whether UMBC’s defense can contain Robinson’s hot hand and if New Hampshire can find answers for Valentine’s playmaking and a UMBC roster that has shown greater depth.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They will meet again in Durham, New Hampshire, on Feb. 14.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.