RIDER GAMEDAY

Who: Wagner (7-1) at Rider (5-5)

When: Saturday, 4 p.m., Alumni Gymnasium

TV/ Radio: None/ 107.7 FM The Bronc

Last Time Out: Rider lost to Hofstra, 88-82; Wagner def. Mercy College, 75-41 Series History: Rider leads 18-5

Background: The Broncs are looking to snap a 4-game skid when they welcome their former Northeast Conference rival. These two teams have had a number of classic battles over the years, including the famous 1993 NEC championship game where Darrick Suber hit ‘The Shot.’

Ups and Downs: Rider has had a full week off following its six-point loss to Hofstra last Saturday. That time should give coach Kevin Baggett a chance to coach his team up as it looks to snap out of this funk and end non-conference play on a high note. Three of the setbacks during this four game skid have come by six points or less.

Take Care: Perhaps the Broncs’ biggest problem of late has been turnovers. During the 5-1 start, Rider had more assists than turnovers in each game (90to 63for a 1.43A/TO ratio), but over the last four contests the team has 54 assists and 60 turnovers. See a correlation. Scouting Wagner: The Seahawks enter play winners of six straight, although two of those six have come against non-Division I competition. However, Wagner did beat Rider’s MAAC rival Fairfield, 78-76, on Dec. 1. Expect an up-and-down game with Wagner averaging 81 points per contest in December and the Broncs always willing to pay at a faster tempo. Blake Francis (19.6 ppg) and JoJo Cooper (12.5 ppg) are the top scoring threats for Bashir Mason’s side.