HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — A Northeast Conference rematch with potential seeding implications is set for Saturday when the Mercyhurst Lakers visit the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights at Rothman Center.

The Lakers (12-12) enter at .500, looking to avenge a 74-67 home loss to the Knights on Jan. 2. Mercyhurst is coming off a high-scoring, 98-89 overtime victory against Saint Francis (Pa.) on Thursday. In that win, Bernie Blunt scored 26 points and Jake Lemelman added 21, but the consistent force for the Lakers has been Qadir Martin. The standout guard tallied 20 points, five assists and four blocks in 38 minutes against Saint Francis, continuing a strong stretch where he has averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks over his last eight games.

Fairleigh Dickinson (8-16) halted a three-game skid with a 74-58 home win over Stonehill on Thursday, powered by a 22-point effort from Taeshaud Jackson. The Knights’ guard has been a bright spot, averaging 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in his last five contests. His matchup with Martin will be a key focal point.

Both teams have shown recent volatility. Since their first meeting, Mercyhurst has gone 6-4, including a narrow 78-74 loss at Chicago State on Jan. 31. Fairleigh Dickinson is 3-7 over the same span, with several close losses, including a 75-72 overtime defeat at Wagner and a one-point loss at Stonehill.

The Knights won the first meeting by holding Mercyhurst to 37% shooting from the field. Replicating that defensive effort will be critical against a Lakers team that has scored 70 or more points in four of its last five games. For Mercyhurst, improving its ball security after committing 15 turnovers in the January loss will be a priority.

The game is part of a tight NEC schedule where both teams are jockeying for position ahead of the conference tournament. Following this contest, Mercyhurst visits Le Moyne on Feb. 12, while Fairleigh Dickinson hosts Saint Francis (Pa.) on the same date.

Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST at the Rothman Center.