Who: Rider (12-10, 8-5) at Quinnipiac (13-8, 8-4)

When: Saturday, 2 p.m., TD Bank Sports Center

TV: ESPN3

Radio: 107.7 FM The Bronc

Last Time Out: Rider lost to Marist, 68-61; Quinnipiac def. Siena, 103-95 in OT

Previous Meeting: Rider won 90-78 on Dec. 8

Background: Coach Kevin Baggett thought the Broncs were timid around Marist big man Adam Kemp, trying for finger rolls instead of attacking the 7-footer. Not only did Kemp alter several shots at the rim, the Red Foxes won the rebounding battle 47-26.


Well, it doesn't get any easier Saturday against the Bobcats' terrific front line of Ike Azotam and Ousmane Drame.

Azotam averages 16.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Drame grabs 9.8 boards per contest and guard Zaid Hearst chips in with 7.7.

Quinnipiac leads the nation in rebounding margin (12.1) and total boards per game (46.5).

"We have to get over it in a hurry," Baggett said. "What's more important is if guys aren't going to put a body on a guys, we're going to go down here and get beat. That's what it's going to come down to — rebounding."

In the first meeting between the schools — a 12-point Rider victory — the Broncs did a decent job on the glass, only losing the battle of the boards by three (41-44).

They'll need another effort like that Saturday in what will be their third game this week.

Projected Starting Lineups: Rider: G-Jimmie Taylor (Fr., 11.1 ppg), G-Zedric Sadler (So., 9.5 ppg), G-Anthony Myles (Sr., 17.4 ppg), F-Danny Stewart (Sr., 15.6 ppg), F-Khalil Thomas (Fr., 6 ppg).
Quinnipiac: G-Umar Shannon (Gr., 14 ppg), G-Zaid Hearst (Jr., 15.4 ppg), G-Shaq Shannon (Sr., 5 ppg), F-Ike Azotam (Sr., 16.5 ppg), C-Ousmane Drame (Jr., 12.5 ppg).