GAME NOTES: First place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is on the line this afternoon, as the first place Rider Broncs will host the second place Siena Saints at Alumni Gym. Just this past Saturday the Broncs grabbed a convincing, 89-75 victory over the Saints. However, since that loss Siena has won two consecutive games over Marist, defeating the Red Foxes at home, 76-72, and on the road, 97-88, in overtime. The small streak has pushed Siena's league mark to a strong 10-3 on the season. As for the Broncs, they are riding a tremendous wave of momentum, winning 10 consecutive games, including a hard fought, 80-76 victory over Niagara this past Friday. This outstanding run by Rider has boosted the team's MAAC record to 11-2. Rider has been very tough to beat at home, as the team is currently 9-1 at Alumni Gym. Although the Saints fell to Rider back on February 2nd, Siena still holds a 16-10 edge in the all- time series.

The Saints are led by a sensational backcourt tandem in Edwin Ubiles and Kenny Hasbrouck. Ubiles is currently leading the Saints with 16.5 ppg, while Hasbrouck is shooting 41.5 percent from behind the arc and is posting 15.8 ppg. Alex Franklin has been the main option in the paint, as the big man is chipping in 13.6 ppg to go along with a team-best 6.8 rpg. As a team, Siena heads into this matchup producing 76.6 ppg, while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor. In the recent nine-point win against Marist in overtime, the Saints shot 50.0 percent from the floor and made 23-of-30 attempts from the foul line. Hasbrouck poured in 35 points in the win, while Ubiles tallied 21 points. Ronald Moore added 12 points and five assists, while Franklin chipped in 10 points.

The Broncs are also led by a pair of standout players, however, their duo is related. Jason and Ryan Thompson have caused havoc in the MAAC throughout the season and are currently the top two performers for Rider. Jason Thompson is averaging a double-double on the year with 19.9 ppg and 11.6 rpg, while younger brother Ryan is contributing 15.5 ppg to go along with 6.5 rpg and a team-high 90 assists. Harris Mansell is chipping in 13.4 ppg for a Rider squad that is producing a whopping 78.0 ppg on the season. The Thompson brothers were at it again this past Friday, as they helped lead Rider to a four-point win over Niagara. In the victory, the team was led by Jason Thompson, as he posted another double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. As for Ryan, he tallied 16 points and pulled down eight boards for the Broncs. Mansell also posted 16 points, while Mike Ringgold chipped in 14 points.

Eight days ago the Broncs posted a convincing win on the road against Siena. Now in front of their home crowd, the Broncs will probably make sure the Saints do not return the favor.