SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Interstat) — A surging Yale squad will look to continue its dominant start to the season when it hosts struggling Albany in a non-conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday at the MassMutual Center. The Bulldogs (9-1) have won eight straight games since their only loss, an 86-77 defeat to Rhode Island on Nov. 18. Their resume includes impressive road victories at Vermont, Akron and the College of Charleston. Yale is averaging 87.4 points per game during its winning streak, showcasing a potent and balanced offense. Albany (3-7) seeks to halt a two-game skid after a 93-65 loss at Columbia on Saturday. The Great Danes have faced a challenging early schedule, with all seven losses coming against Division I opponents, including defeats to Marquette, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The game features a compelling backcourt matchup. Yale is led by dynamic guard Nick Townsend, who has been a consistent force. Over his last five games, Townsend is averaging 17.2 points, 6.2 assists and 5.4 rebounds, coming off a 16-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist performance in the win over Illinois-Chicago. Albany will rely on guard Jaden Kempson to spark its offense. Kempson is coming off a 13-point, 3-assist effort at Columbia and scored 15 points in a loss at Fordham on Nov. 29. His playmaking will be critical against a stout Yale defense. Yale’s recent results have been powered by more than just Townsend. Trevor Mullin scored 22 points in the last outing, and Isaac Celiscar added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Albany’s Amir Lindsey, who had 10 points and 6 assists against Columbia, will need to help Kempson handle Yale’s backcourt pressure. The neutral-site game in Springfield is a final tune-up for both teams before difficult stretches. Yale next travels to face Alabama on Dec. 29, while Albany visits Florida Atlantic on Dec. 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.