Preview: NJIT Highlanders at Bryant Bulldogs

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Interstat) — A clash of surging teams will highlight Saturday’s women’s college basketball slate as the Bryant Bulldogs host the NJIT Highlanders at Chace Athletic Center.

The Bulldogs (14-4) enter with the stronger overall record, but are looking to rebound from a surprising 55-47 road loss to Maryland-Baltimore County on Thursday. Prior to that defeat, Bryant had won five straight, including dominant conference victories over Massachusetts-Lowell (80-38) and Maine (82-73). They are 8-1 at home this season.

Bryant’s consistency has been fueled by guard Maranda Nyborg. Over her last six games, the junior is averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 assists and 1.7 blocks, including a 20-point performance in the rout of UMass Lowell. In the loss to UMBC, Nyborg contributed 8 points, 2 assists and 3 blocks.

The visiting NJIT Highlanders (12-6) arrive with momentum after a 68-57 home win over UMass Lowell on Thursday. That victory snapped a brief two-game skid. The Highlanders have been strong on the road this season, posting a 7-3 record away from Newark.

NJIT will lean on forward Ava Locklear, who is coming off a dominant double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds in the win over Lowell. Over her last seven games, Locklear has recorded two double-doubles and is averaging 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds. She forms a potent inside-out duo with guard Olivia Kulyk, who scored a game-high 22 points on Thursday.

This matchup pits Bryant’s stout defense, which allows just 54.2 points per game at home, against an NJIT offense that has scored 68 or more points in four of its last five contests. The Bulldogs won both meetings last season.

Saturday’s result will have early implications in the conference standings as both teams jockey for position ahead of the rematch scheduled for Feb. 28 at NJIT.

Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. EST at the Chace Athletic Center.