GAME NOTES: The Iona Gaels and Rider Broncs meet for the second time in 10 days, as they collide at Alumni Gym in Lawrenceville tonight. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foes were in action against one another on January 11th, with the Broncs capturing a 72-64 victory in New Rochelle. The Gaels, who still own a 21-18 edge in the all-time series with Rider, have rebounded nicely from that loss though, winning their last two outings. Most recently, the team downed Fairfield, 67-52, on Friday to close out a three-game homestand. With the win, Iona improved itself to 7-12 overall and 3-4 in conference play. As for Rider, it brings a winning streak of its own into the contest, capturing four consecutive victories. The team was last in play on Saturday, when it slipped past Manhattan, 85-82. Now at 12-6 overall and 5-2 in league play, the Broncs return back home, where they have logged a 6-1 record thus far.

The Gaels come into the tilt scoring 67.7 ppg on 44.9 percent shooting from the field, with three players averaging in double figures. Dexter Gray currently leads the squad in scoring with 11.6 ppg and he is also collecting 5.5 rpg. Milan Prodanovic is second in line with 10.5 ppg and he is trailed by Devon Clarke, who turns in 10.1 ppg on a sizzling 61.1 percent shooting from the field. In the team's last game, Prodanovic nailed 5-of-10 three-pointers and he finished with 21 points in a win over Fairfield. Gray put forth 14 points and five assists for the Gaels, who shot 51.0 percent from the field. Iona also forced 21 turnovers, while committing just 11 miscues itself.

The Broncs have had a good amount of success at the offensive end of the court this season, as they are averaging a solid 77.1 ppg behind an efficient 48.0 percent shooting from the floor. Jason Thompson is one of the premier players in the MAAC and one of the few who is averaging a double-double with 20.4 ppg and 11.4 rpg. Younger brother, Ryan Thompson, has also played a big part is Rider's success and he leads the team in assists (4.2 apg) and steals (27), while ranking second in scoring (15.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.9 rpg). Harris Mansell rounds out the double-figure scorers with 13.1 ppg. In the club's prior contest, Ryan Thompson poured in 27 points and dished out four assists to pace the Broncs in a win at Manhattan. Jason Thompson posted 21 points and five boards, while Mansell finished with 14 points. Rider shot an unconscious 65.3 percent from the floor and that includes a 12-of-20 effort from beyond the arc.

Rider won the earlier meeting on the road, so there is no reason to believe it can't get the job done at home tonight. With the Thompson brothers leading the way, expect the Broncs to complete the regular season sweep.