Preview: Army at Colgate Women’s Basketball

HAMILTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Army team visits a Colgate squad seeking consistency as Patriot League women’s basketball play continues Saturday at Cotterell Court.

The Army Black Knights (9-3) enter with the league’s best overall record but are looking to rebound from a 77-66 home loss to Lehigh on Wednesday. The Colgate Raiders (5-7) snapped a five-game skid with a 63-57 win over Lafayette that same day.

Army’s success has been fueled by forward Kya Smith, who is coming off a historic stretch. In her last two games, Smith averaged 22.5 points and 17.5 rebounds, including a 27-point, 22-rebound performance in a win over Howard on Dec. 29. She leads the Black Knights with 18 points and 13 rebounds in their most recent outing.

Colgate will counter with guard Ella Meabon, who matched her season high with 27 points in the win over Lafayette. Meabon has been a bright spot, scoring in double figures in three of her last five contests, including a 24-point effort in an overtime loss to Delaware on Dec. 5.

The Raiders will need a collective effort to slow down Army’s momentum. Beyond Smith, Taylor Wilson (20 points vs. Lehigh) and Camryn Tade (16 points, 6 rebounds) provide additional scoring punch. Colgate’s Madison Schiller, who posted 10 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists against Lafayette, will be key in facilitating the offense.

Army has won four of its last five, with its only loss in that span coming to Lehigh. Colgate’s victory over Lafayette marked its first win since Nov. 18. The Raiders’ defense, which allowed an average of 80 points during their losing streak, will be tested by an Army team averaging 67.8 points per game.

This is the Patriot League opener for both teams. The rematch is scheduled for Feb. 4 at West Point.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon.