LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — Sacred Heart cruised to a 105-85 victory over Rider in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Monday afternoon at Alumni Gymnasium. The Pioneers led 51-38 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half before an announced crowd of 1,086. Sacred Heart improved to 7-13 overall. The Broncs fell to 2-16. Sacred Heart, a 3-point pregame favorite, defied a national statistical model that gave Rider a slight probability to win. The teams’ combined 190 points far exceeded the over/under line of 139.5.

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Monday when Sacred Heart visits Rider in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup at Alumni Gymnasium. The Pioneers (6-13) enter on a high note after an 86-80 road victory at Siena on Wednesday, snapping a five-game losing streak. Sacred Heart was powered by a trio of double-figure scorers in that win: Anquan Hill (22 points), Nyle Ralph-Beyer (21 points) and guard Mekhi Conner (15 points, 5 assists). Conner, a key player to watch for Sacred Heart, has been a steady facilitator. He is coming off a 15-point, 5-assist performance against Siena and dished out nine assists in a loss to Merrimack on Dec. 29. The host Broncs (2-15) have struggled, but captured a 72-68 home win over Iona last Wednesday before falling 69-58 at Saint Peter’s on Saturday. Rider’s offense leans heavily on guard Flash Burton, who has been a bright spot during a difficult season. Burton scored 21 points in the win over Iona and followed with an 18-point, 6-assist effort at Saint Peter’s. He also poured in 27 points in a narrow loss at Fairfield on Jan. 9. Both teams rank near the bottom of the MAAC standings, making this a critical game for building confidence ahead of the conference schedule’s second half. Sacred Heart will look to establish its first winning streak since December, while Rider aims to prove its victory over Iona was a sign of growth and not an anomaly. The Pioneers’ offense, which found its rhythm against Siena, will test a Rider defense that has allowed 69 points or more in 14 of its 17 games this season. Conversely, Burton will be the focal point for a Broncs’ attack facing a Sacred Heart team allowing an average of 75.5 points per game. Following this contest, Sacred Heart hosts Canisius on Thursday. Rider’s next game is at Mount Saint Mary’s on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST.