Preview of Saturday’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Game

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Quinnipiac team visits a struggling Rider squad in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup on Saturday at Alumni Gymnasium.

The Bobcats (9-4) enter on a four-game winning streak, including an 80-54 rout of Iona on Thursday. Quinnipiac’s defense has been stifling during the run, holding three of those opponents under 55 points.

Guard Karson Martin has been a key catalyst. The sophomore averaged 12.3 points over the last four contests, including a 19-point effort against Iona. Anna Foley (16 points vs. Iona) and Sydney Ryan (14 points) provide additional scoring punch.

Conversely, the Broncs (2-11) seek to halt a seven-game skid. Their most recent loss was a 72-54 defeat to Merrimack on Thursday. Rider has been held to 61 points or fewer in 10 of its 11 losses this season.

Forward Deb Okechukwu has been a consistent bright spot for Rider, posting a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds against Merrimack. She averages a team-leading 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

The teams’ recent trajectories present a stark contrast. Quinnipiac has won by an average margin of 28.5 points during its streak, while Rider has lost its last seven by an average of 16.7 points.

Historically, Quinnipiac has dominated the series, winning 16 of the last 17 meetings. The Bobcats won both matchups last season by 29 and 28 points.

Saturday’s game tips off at 2 p.m. EST. Quinnipiac continues MAAC play next Thursday at Mount Saint Mary’s. Rider travels to face Siena next Thursday.