Saturday, February 23rd 4:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Draddy Gym (3,000) -- Riverdale, New York. Television: None. Home Record: Binghamton 9-4, Manhattan 6-7. Away Record: Binghamton 3-10, Manhattan 5-8. Neutral Record: Binghamton 0-0, Manhattan 0-0. Conference Record: Binghamton 8-6, Manhattan 5-11. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will collide with the America East Conference this evening, as the Manhattan Jaspers will host the Binghamton Bearcats in a Bracketbuster matchup. The Bearcats head into this game with a small two-game winning streak. The last time Binghamton was on the floor the team grabbed a convincing, 80-55 victory over Maine. The Bearcats have struggled away from home this season, as the team has dropped 10 of its 13 matchups on the road. As for the Jaspers, they have collected three consecutive wins and are now 11-15 on the season. The recent victory was a thrilling, 73-72 win over Siena this past Monday. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools on the hardwood.

The Bearcats erupted the last time they took the floor, scoring 80 points en route to a 25-point victory over Maine. In the contest, Binghamton shot a strong 50.8 percent from the field and dominated the battle on the glass, 39-22. It was a surprising performance by the Bearcats, who are averaging just 67.0 ppg, while shooting 44.0 percent from the field. Dwayne Jackson was red- hot in the contest, as the guard came off the bench to lead the team with 26 points. Lazar Trifunovic, who is leading the team with 14.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg, tallied 14 points in the win and also collected eight caroms. Reggie Fuller added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while the team's second leading scorer Mike Gordon (11.8 ppg) chipped in seven points.

The Jaspers have been inconsistent at the offensive end of the floor and are averaging a mediocre 69.8 ppg, while shooting 42.8 percent from the field. The Jaspers lack a true scoring threat, as the team's top performer is Antoine Pearson, who is posting just 12.1 ppg. Devon Austin is shooting below 40.0 percent from the field on the campaign, but the guard is still netting 10.8 ppg. This past Monday the Jaspers grabbed a thrilling, one-point win over Siena. In the victory, Manhattan shot 48.3 percent from the floor and connected on 11-of-21 shots from behind the arc. Pearson was sensational, netting 6-of-7 three-point attempts, while pacing the team with 20 points. Chris Smith tallied a double-double with 13 points and 12 boards, while Austin chipped in 12 points.

The Jaspers have been unable to consistently produce at the offensive end of the floor this year, which is why the team has struggled at home. However, look for Manhattan to put forth a strong effort today, en route to a win.

Predicted Outcome

Manhattan 72, Binghamton 66