FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — The surging Fairfield Stags, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will look to continue their dominant season when they host in-state foe Sacred Heart on Saturday at Webster Bank Arena.

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup pits a powerhouse against a struggling rival. Fairfield (24-4) enters on a seven-game winning streak and sits atop the conference standings. Sacred Heart (12-15) has lost four of its last five, including a 60-43 defeat to these same Stags just four weeks ago on Jan. 31.

Fairfield’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 48.6 points during its current streak. The Stags won that Jan. 31 meeting by holding the Pioneers to 29.1% shooting from the field. Cyanne Coe led Fairfield in that victory with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Coe has been a consistent force, coming off a 19-point, nine-rebound performance in an 81-51 rout of Siena on Feb. 21.

Sacred Heart will rely on forward Emma Kirby to try to crack the Stags’ defense. Kirby posted 13 points and nine rebounds in the first meeting and is averaging 12.2 points over her last six games. However, the Pioneers’ offense has sputtered, scoring 57 points or fewer in four of those contests, including a 39-point output in a loss to Quinnipiac on Feb. 21.

The Stags’ offense is multifaceted. In the win over Siena, Kaety L’Amoreaux added 14 points and eight assists, while Janelle Brown scored 11. Fairfield’s average margin of victory during its streak is 27.7 points.

For Sacred Heart to pull an upset, it must improve its ball security and find secondary scoring behind Kirby. The Pioneers’ last win was a 63-61 nail-biter at Saint Peter’s on Feb. 14.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport.