GAME NOTES: Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action will take place this afternoon, as the Rider Broncs get set to host the Canisius Golden Griffins at Alumni Gymnasium. The Golden Griffs have been atrocious in the opening stages of this season as the team has dropped 11 of its first 13 games. The last time Canisius was on the court the team suffered a tough, 65-54 setback to Saint Peter's. The Golden Griffs have been horrendous on the road this season, losing all seven of their games away from home. As for the Broncs, they have dropped their last two matchups, losing to Drexel (73-66) and most recently Marist (81-80). Since the beginning of the 2005-06 season, the Broncs are a mediocre 17-13 at home, and that includes the team's 4-1 mark this year. The Broncs have won 10 consecutive games over Canisius, including an 82-59 victory over the Gold Griffs earlier this season.

The Griffs have not been "golden" at the offensive end of the floor throughout the season, which is why the squad is a disappointing 2-11 on the year. Canisius heads into this game posting a meager 61.1 ppg, while shooting just 39.7 percent from the floor. The only player currently averaging double figures is Frank Turner, who is netting 11.7 ppg, while also pacing the team with 71 assists. The offensive woes continued for Canisius the last time the team took the floor, as the squad suffered an 11-point setback to Saint Peter's. In the loss the team scored just 54 points, while posting a mere 34.7 percent shooting effort from the field. Tomas Vazquez-Simmons led the way with 12 points, while Pawel Malesa chipped in 11 points. As for Turner, he was just 3-of-14 in the contest, and finished with eight points to go along with eight boards and five assists.

The Broncs, on the other hand, have had little trouble putting points on the scoreboard. The offensive success can be attributed to the play of Jason Thompson, who is currently leading the squad with 20.4 ppg and 11.0 rpg. However, Thompson has received help from his younger brother Ryan, as he is posting 14.6 ppg, and is also collecting 7.7 rpg. Harris Mansell is the only other player netting double figures for the Broncs, as the guard is chipping in 13.0 ppg. As a whole, Rider is averaging a strong 74.8 ppg, and is also posting a 46.9 percent shooting effort. The last time the Broncs were on the floor the team scored 80 points, but it was not enough to get past Marist. In the one- point loss to the Red Foxes, the Thompson brothers did most of the damage, as Jason poured in 26 points and grabbed 11 points, while Ryan contributed 24 points in the loss.

The Golden Griffs have not done much right this season, so it is hard to believe that this squad is going to have an answer for the terrific Thompson brothers.