SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Interstat) — The Bryant Bulldogs, riding a surge of momentum, will host the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers in a women’s basketball rematch on Thursday afternoon at Chace Athletic Center. The Bulldogs (18-9) enter with a stronger overall record and are coming off a 63-60 road victory at Binghamton on Feb. 19. Guard Nia Scott powered that win with 24 points, part of a recent stretch where she has twice scored 25 or more. Bryant’s offense has shown high potential, including a 77-point performance against Massachusetts-Lowell on Feb. 12. The Retrievers (13-13), however, have proven to be a tough out and won the season’s first meeting, 55-47, in Baltimore on Jan. 15. UMBC is looking to bounce back from a draining 69-63 double-overtime loss at Albany on Feb. 21. In that game, forward Heidi Williams recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Williams has been a consistent presence for UMBC, posting double-doubles in two of her last seven games. The Retrievers have shown defensive grit, holding opponents under 50 points in three recent contests, but have struggled with offensive consistency. For Bryant, containing Williams and avenging January’s loss will be key. The Bulldogs have balanced their high-scoring outbursts with tight defensive wins, such as a 50-44 victory at Albany earlier this month. The matchup pits UMBC’s quest for a .500 conference record against Bryant’s push for a top-tier seeding ahead of the America East tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.