RIDER GAMEDAY

Who: Norfolk State (4-6) at Rider (2-3)

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m., Alumni Gymnasium

TV/ Radio: ESPN3/ None Last Time Out: Rider lost to Hofstra, 89-73; Norfolk State lost to Kent State, 78-67 Series History: First meeting

Background: This is the first of two straight home games for the Broncs, who are now in the midst of a busy month after taking the court just four times last month. Including Wednesday night’s contest, Rider has seven games in three time zones before the calendar turns to 2019.

Hustle Plays: A glaring stat in the loss at Hofstra was on the boards where the Broncs were out-rebounded, 35-17, and gave up 15 offensive caroms, which led to a 14-2 discrepancy in second-chance points. Rider also put up 11 fewer shots (58-47) than Hofstra. Getting beat to 50-50 balls and giving up a large number of offensive rebounds are hustle plays that the Broncs need to make in order to win game.

Marshall Matters: Junior center Tyere Marshall has been plagued by foul trouble for through the first five games, which has limited him to 20 minutes a game. His numbers are down across the board as well, averaging 6.8 points on just 33.3 percent shooting and 4.2 rebounds (he shot 51 percent and averaged 10.3 points last season). Look for Rider to go inside to Marshall early and try and get him going.

Scouting Norfolk State: Three of the Spartans’ four victories are over non-Division I competition, but the one win was a two overtime thriller against former MEAC rival Hampton. Guard Nic Thomas averages a teamhigh 14.5 points on 42.5 percent shooting.