POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (Interstat) — Two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when the Marist Red Foxes host the Canisius Golden Griffins at McCann Recreation Center.

The Red Foxes (7-14 overall) enter on a two-game skid but have shown resilience, most recently falling 65-64 at Iona on Saturday. Justine Henry led Marist in that narrow defeat, scoring 16 points and grabbing seven rebounds. The junior forward has been a consistent producer, averaging 11.4 points over her last eight games, including a 15-point performance in a 75-72 win over Siena on Jan. 22.

Canisius (3-16) has lost eight of its last nine, coming off a 58-42 home loss to Fairfield. The Golden Griffins have struggled offensively, failing to reach 65 points in any game this season. A bright spot has been the versatile play of Franka Wittenberg. The guard/forward is coming off a strong all-around performance against Fairfield, posting eight points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 32 minutes. Over her last three games, she is averaging 9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

Marist holds the home-court advantage in a series it has historically controlled. The Red Foxes’ conference record (5-5) reflects a competitiveness that has seen them play in several close games, with four of their MAAC losses coming by six points or fewer. Canisius is still searching for its first MAAC victory of the season (0-8).

The game will hinge on Marist’s ability to capitalize on its home floor and find consistent scoring beyond Henry, while Canisius needs Wittenberg to facilitate and an improved team shooting performance to challenge for a road upset. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.