Preview: Bucknell Bison at Army Black Knights

WEST POINT, N.Y. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in Patriot League fortunes will be on display Wednesday night when the surging Army Black Knights host the struggling Bucknell Bison in a women’s basketball matchup at Christl Arena.

Army (14-3, 4-1 Patriot) enters as one of the conference’s hottest teams, having won seven of its last eight games. The Black Knights are coming off a 63-56 road victory at American on Saturday, powered by a 20-point performance from standout guard Camryn Tade. The junior has been a consistent force, averaging 15.3 points over her last seven contests, including a 26-point outburst in a win at Loyola Maryland on Jan. 7. Army’s defense has been equally formidable, holding opponents to an average of 56.2 points during its current run.

Bucknell (4-12, 0-5) seeks its first conference win amid an eight-game losing streak. The Bison fell 62-49 to Lafayette in their most recent outing on Jan. 14. Sophomore forward Desirae Ashton has shown flashes, posting 10 points and six rebounds in that loss, but consistent scoring has been an issue. The team has failed to reach 50 points in four of its five Patriot League games this season.

The matchup pits Army’s conference-leading defense against a Bucknell offense averaging a league-low 51.1 points in Patriot play. Army won both meetings last season by an average of 18 points.

For Bucknell to challenge, it will need a significant performance from Ashton and more offensive support from players like Isabella Casey and Tuana Coskun, who combined for 23 points against Lafayette. Army will look to Tade and Reese Ericson, who is averaging 12.6 points, to control the tempo on its home floor.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game continues a rigorous stretch for Bucknell, which hosts Loyola Maryland on Saturday. Army prepares for a key road test in the Star Series against service academy rival Navy on Saturday.