Every Friday, the NE10 is going to highlight the biggest contests each weekend. It may be a big-time rivalry, matchup between two ranked teams or a battle for playoff-positioning. Fans can follow the action for every game by visiting our schedule page.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Southern N.H. at Bentley: Saturday, Feb. 12 – 3:30 p.m. (Live Stats – Video)
No. 21 Bentley looks to maintain a stronghold on first place in the NE10 Northeast Division standings when SNHU visits the Dana Center on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons (16-3, 11-3 NE10) have won their last two games and 10 of their last 11 overall. The Penmen (12-8, 8-7 NE10) are in the middle of a tough back-to-back at New Haven on Thursday night and at Bentley on Saturday.
Bentley has the highest-scoring offense in the NE10, averaging 83.6 points per contest. The Falcons have four players averaging over 14.0 points per game, including Colton Lawrence with a team-high 17.3 points. SNHU ranks in the upper-half of the NE10 in scoring defense, allowing only 72.8 points per game.
Adelphi at Saint Rose: Saturday, Feb. 12 – 3:30 p.m. (Live Stats – Video)
Adelphi – the first-place team in the NE10 Southwest Division standings – will visit Saint Rose in an important divisional matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers (16-6, 10-4 NE10) hold a narrow lead over Pace for the top spot in the Southwest, as both programs look to clinch a first-round bye in the NE10 Men's Basketball Championship. The Golden Knights (10-10, 7-8 NE10) look to snap a three-game losing skid.
Two of the premiere scorers in the NE10 will be on display Saturday, as Adelphi's Ronnie Silva (20.6 points per game) ranks second in scoring while Saint Rose's Shane O'Dell (19.7 points) is fourth. The Panthers also boast one of the toughest defenses, which ranks second in the league by allowing just 67.7 points per game.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Southern N.H. at Bentley: Saturday, Feb. 12 – 1:30 p.m. (Live Stats – Video)
The top two teams in the NE10 Northeast Division – SNHU and Bentley – will meet at the Dana Center on Saturday afternoon in a crucial matchup with postseason implications. SNHU (16-5, 10-4 NE10), which is receiving votes in the WBCA national rankings, is coming off a road win at New Haven. Bentley (13-5, 11-3 NE10) has won six of its last seven, including consecutive victories over Saint Michael's.
It could be a high-scoring affair this weekend, as the Penmen (72.5 points per game) and Falcons (69.3 points per game) are first and second, respectively, among NE10 in programs in offense this season. Bentley is also ranked second in defense, surrendering just 56.7 points per contest to opponents.
Southern Conn. at Le Moyne: Saturday, Feb. 12 – 1:30 p.m. (Live Stats – Video)
Le Moyne, which currently holds sole possession of first place in the NE10 Southwest Division standings, welcomes Southern Connecticut to Ted Grant Court on Saturday afternoon. The Dolphins (14-4, 12-3 NE10) are coming off a hard-fought win over Adelphi, while the Owls (9-10, 6-7 NE10) have won three of their last four – including two wins over the Southwest Division's leaders in Le Moyne and Pace.
The Dolphins look for revenge after suffering a 62-51 loss to the Owls last week in New Haven and will rely on their defense – allowing just 56.7 points per game – to lead the way. SCSU is led by Jessica Fressle, who ranks fifth in the NE10 in scoring (17.5 points per game) and second in rebounding (11.1 rebounds per game).
ICE HOCKEY
Southern N.H. at Assumption: Feb. 11 – 6:50 p.m. (Live Stats - Video)
Assumption at Southern N.H.: Feb. 12 – 7:40 p.m. (Live Stats - Video)
First place in the Northeast-10 is on the line this weekend as Southern New Hampshire (11-2 NE10) and Assumption (7-4 NE10) square off in a home-and-home series. The Penmen have a two-game lead on the Greyhounds and a sweep this weekend would secure their first regular season championship since 2006. Conversely, Assumption could draw even with a sweep of their own while taking a hold of the tiebreaker with just one more week of games. A split would give SNHU a tiebreaker for playoff purposes as the Penmen earned a victory earlier this year.
These two teams boast the best offenses in the NE10, as SNHU and Assumption average 4.11 and 3.45 goals per game respectively. George Thurston and Jake Cox rank second and third in the NE10 in points, with 25 and 24. Robert Holyoke leads Assumption with 21 points on nine goals and 12 assists. Overall the Greyhounds have won six of eight games, while the Penmen have won five of seven since the start of the year.
