LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking to halt lengthy slides will meet Friday when the Canisius Golden Griffins visit the Rider Broncs in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball game. The matchup at Alumni Gymnasium features struggling squads, with Canisius at 8-19 overall and Rider at 3-22. Both are coming off losses Sunday, extending difficult stretches. The Golden Griffins have dropped eight consecutive games, while the Broncs have lost 10 of their last 11. The game will spotlight two of the conference’s top individual performers in contrasting seasons. Canisius is led by guard Mike Evbagharu, who is coming off a standout performance. In Sunday’s 69-65 home loss to Manhattan, Evbagharu logged 40 minutes, scoring 20 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists. Over his last eight games, he has averaged 11.1 points and 5.1 assists. Rider counters with guard Zion Cruz, who has been a consistent scoring threat despite the team’s record. Cruz is averaging 20.4 points over his last seven contests. He scored 22 points in each of his last two outings, including a 22-point, six-rebound effort in the 86-75 loss at Sacred Heart on Sunday. In their most recent meeting, Rider defeated Canisius 81-78 on Jan. 1, 2026, in Buffalo. Cruz led the Broncs with 24 points in that victory. For Canisius, secondary scoring behind Evbagharu will be crucial. Javante Edwards added 17 points in the loss to Manhattan. Rider will look for support for Cruz from Flash Burton, who scored 21 points against Sacred Heart, and Caleb Smith, who grabbed 11 rebounds. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip-off. Following this contest, Canisius will visit Mount Saint Mary’s on Sunday, while Rider will host Niagara.