HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Central Connecticut looks to avenge a recent loss and continue its climb in the Northeast Conference standings when it visits Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday. The Blue Devils (14-10, 8-5 NEC) have won three straight, including an 81-76 road victory at New Haven on Thursday powered by a career-high 40 points from guard Darin Smith. Central Connecticut’s offense has found its rhythm, averaging 81 points during the winning streak. Smith has been the catalyst, averaging 29.7 points over his last three games. He was held to 19 points in the first meeting with Fairleigh Dickinson, a 76-66 Knights win in New Britain on Jan. 23. The Knights (10-16, 7-6) have stabilized their season with three consecutive wins after a five-game skid. They are coming off a 66-59 home win over Saint Francis (Pa.) on Thursday, led by 22 points from forward Taeshaud Jackson. Jackson has been a force lately, averaging 20 points and 6.7 rebounds over the last three contests. This matchup hinges on contrasting styles. Central Connecticut’s high-scoring attack, ranked second in the NEC, will test a Fairleigh Dickinson defense that has tightened during its win streak, allowing just 59 points per game in its last two. The Knights won the first meeting by dominating the paint and forcing 14 Blue Devils turnovers. Containing Smith will be their primary defensive focus, while Central Connecticut must find an answer for Jackson’s interior scoring and rebounding. With both teams jockeying for position in the conference tournament seeding, Saturday’s result at the Rothman Center could provide critical momentum for the stretch run. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.