HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — Two Northeast Conference men’s basketball teams looking to build momentum will meet Thursday when Fairleigh Dickinson hosts Saint Francis (PA) at the Rothman Center. The Knights (9-16) enter on a two-game win streak following a 55-52 defensive victory over Mercyhurst on Feb. 7. Forward Taeshaud Jackson, a key player for FDU, posted a double-double in that contest with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Over his last five games, Jackson is averaging 16.4 points and 7.6 rebounds, providing consistent production for the Knights. The visiting Red Flash (6-18) aim to snap a four-game skid, most recently falling 80-75 at Chicago State on Feb. 9. Despite the loss, guard Zion Russell delivered a standout performance, scoring 23 points with five assists in 38 minutes. Russell has been a bright spot, averaging 17.3 points over his last three outings. This matchup is a quick rematch of a Jan. 4 meeting in Pennsylvania, which Saint Francis won 85-82. In that game, the Red Flash overcame a 20-point performance from FDU’s Jackson. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season but remain in the mix for NEC tournament positioning. Fairleigh Dickinson has found recent success at home, winning three of its last four at the Rothman Center, while Saint Francis seeks its first road win since Jan. 8. The Knights will look to contain Russell and leverage their interior presence, led by Jackson and Cyril Martynov, who also had a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) in the win over Mercyhurst. The Red Flash will need secondary scoring beyond Russell to improve their chances. Following this game, Fairleigh Dickinson hosts Central Connecticut on Saturday. Saint Francis returns home to face Long Island on Feb. 19.