NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when Rider visits Merrimack in a non-conference men’s basketball game at Volpe Athletic Center. The Broncs (1-5) have lost five straight since a season-opening win, most recently falling 68-65 at home to Coppin State on Nov. 25. Zion Cruz led Rider with 18 points in that loss. The Warriors (3-6) snapped a three-game skid with a 66-60 win at La Salle on Nov. 30. Kevair Kennedy paced Merrimack with 16 points and six assists, while Ernest Shelton added a team-high 17 points. Both teams have faced challenging early schedules. Rider’s losing streak includes road defeats at Power Five programs Virginia, Rutgers, Texas and Houston. Merrimack’s losses have come against opponents including Auburn, Florida and South Dakota State. The matchup is organized by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, though both teams are currently in the non-conference portion of their schedules. Rider begins MAAC play in late December, while Merrimack, a member of the Northeast Conference, opens league play in January. Thursday’s game offers each squad a chance to build confidence before heavier stretches of their schedules. Rider guard Cruz (18 ppg in last outing) and Merrimack’s backcourt of Kennedy and Shelton will be key contributors. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST.