VESTAL, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Binghamton Bearcats look to continue a strong start to their season when they host the struggling Marist Red Foxes in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at the Events Center.

Binghamton (5-3) enters on a two-game winning streak, including a 71-58 victory over Buffalo last Saturday. The Bearcats have shown resilience, with a double-overtime road win at Akron among their highlights, though they were blown out at then-Michigan.

A key to Binghamton’s success has been the play of guard Bella Pucci. She is coming off an 18-point, five-rebound performance against Buffalo and has scored in double figures in five straight games, including a 29-point outburst in the win at Akron.

Marist (3-6) snapped a three-game skid with a 79-76 overtime win at Lafayette last Sunday. The Red Foxes have struggled with consistency, particularly on offense, having been held under 65 points in five of their losses, including a 37-point outing in a defeat to Miami (Ohio).

The Red Foxes will rely heavily on guard Jackie Piddock, who is coming off a career-high 26 points and six assists in the win at Lafayette. Piddock has been a bright spot, averaging 12.0 points and 4.0 assists over her last five games.

This matchup pits Binghamton’s more efficient offense, averaging 69.1 points per game, against a Marist squad averaging just 58.2 points. The Bearcats have also been stronger defensively, allowing 64.6 points per game to Marist’s 71.2.

For Marist, this game begins a two-game road trip before a holiday break. Binghamton faces a quick turnaround, visiting in-state power Syracuse on Tuesday.

In their last meeting, Binghamton defeated Marist 72-68 on Dec. 10, 2022. Saturday’s tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST.