BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Sacred Heart Pioneers will look to complete a regular-season sweep when they visit the Canisius Golden Griffins in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup Thursday night.

The Pioneers (8-10, 5-4 MAAC) defeated the Golden Griffins (3-14, 2-7) 77-61 in Fairfield, Connecticut, on Jan. 3. Sacred Heart enters having snapped a two-game skid with a 56-54 home victory over Marist on Monday, while Canisius seeks to end a three-game losing streak following a 71-64 defeat at Mount Saint Mary’s last Saturday.

Sacred Heart is led by guard Nalyce Dudley, who is coming off a 21-point performance against Marist. In the first meeting with Canisius this season, Dudley scored 20 points in 33 minutes. She has averaged 16.4 points over her last seven games, providing consistent offensive production for the Pioneers.

Canisius will counter with guard Shariah Gailes, its leading scorer in conference play. Gailes is averaging 14.3 points over her last four contests, including a 16-point effort at Mount Saint Mary’s. She was held to 10 points in the January loss to Sacred Heart.

The Golden Griffins have struggled at home this season, while the Pioneers have shown improvement after a slow non-conference start. Sacred Heart’s recent success has been fueled by defense, holding opponents to an average of 59.2 points in its five MAAC wins.

Thursday’s game at Koessler Athletic Center tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Following this contest, Sacred Heart travels to face Niagara on Saturday, while Canisius remains home to host Fairfield the same day.