Preview: American Eagles at Colgate Raiders

HAMILTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — Two Patriot League women’s basketball teams seeking to halt slides will meet Wednesday when the American Eagles visit the Colgate Raiders at Cotterell Court.

American (4-13 overall) has lost three straight since a two-game winning streak, most recently falling 63-56 to Army on Saturday. Colgate (5-11) has dropped four consecutive games, including a narrow 49-47 loss to Loyola Maryland last Wednesday.

The matchup is a quick rematch of a Jan. 7 overtime thriller in Washington, D.C., where American edged Colgate 59-56. Eagles guard Molly Driscoll, who hit a key three-pointer in that victory, will be a focal point. The junior is averaging 13.1 points per game and is coming off a 20-point, four-assist performance against Army.

Colgate will counter with senior guard Madison Schiller, who leads the team in assists. She logged 39 minutes and posted 11 points and five assists in the loss to Loyola Maryland. Her backcourt play will be crucial for a Raiders offense that has struggled, failing to reach 50 points in three of its last four contests.

Both teams have faced offensive challenges this season. American ranks near the bottom of the conference in scoring, while Colgate has the league’s least efficient field goal percentage. Defense and rebounding will likely dictate the tempo.

For American, halting its skid before a two-game homestand is critical. Colgate, still searching for its first Patriot League win, aims to defend its home court and avenge the earlier overtime defeat. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.

Following this game, American will host Holy Cross on Saturday. Colgate hits the road to face Boston University on Saturday.