SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Interstat) — The Bryant Bulldogs, riding a strong season at 16-8, are overwhelming favorites Thursday when they host the struggling Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks at Chace Athletic Center. The matchup is a stark contrast in fortunes. Bryant, projected with a 95.9% probability to win by National Statistical’s ELO system, has won three of its last five. Meanwhile, UMass Lowell (7-17) has lost seven of its last nine, though it is coming off a 58-45 home victory over Albany on Feb. 7. That win snapped a six-game skid for the River Hawks, who will seek momentum from that performance. They will lean on guard Maddie Rice, who starred in the Albany victory with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes. Her production has been variable, however, including a two-point outing in a loss to NJIT on Feb. 5. Bryant looks to bounce back from a 56-64 road loss at Maine on Feb. 7. The Bulldogs are led by versatile guard Mia Mancini, who filled the stat sheet in that defeat with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. She has averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists over her last six games. History heavily favors the home team. In the teams’ most recent meeting on Jan. 8 in Lowell, Bryant dominated in an 80-38 rout. The Bulldogs’ defense stifled the River Hawks, holding them to 23.6% shooting from the field. For UMass Lowell, containing Mancini and improving offensive consistency will be critical. Support for Rice in the Albany win came from Nia Chima (nine points, nine rebounds) and Jaini Edmonds (nine points, seven rebounds). Replicating that balanced effort is essential. Bryant, which also got nine points and eight rebounds from Nia Scott in its last game, will aim to control the paint and leverage its superior record. The Bulldogs have held opponents to 60 points or fewer in four of their last six contests. Tipoff is set for Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Bryant visits Binghamton next on Feb. 19, while UMass Lowell travels to New Hampshire on the same date.