Rider hosts New Hampshire on Thursday in the inaugural America East-Metro Basketball Challenge, seeking its first win after a 95-57 season-opening loss to Pittsburgh. The Broncs are rebuilding with an entirely new roster, while New Hampshire comes in at 1-0 after beating Brown.

By the Numbers
  • Rider opened the season 0-1; New Hampshire is 1-0.
  • Rider’s roster includes 14 newcomers, including 10 transfers and 4 freshmen.
  • The all-time series is tied 1-1; the teams last met in 1997-98.
Yes, But

Rider’s opener was a lopsided loss, but the team is adjusting to a completely new roster. New Hampshire has momentum from its win over Brown, though the programs have not faced each other in nearly three decades.

State of Play
  • Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Canastra Hammer Arena in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
  • Rider was picked 13th in the Metro Conference preseason coaches’ poll.
What's Next

Rider will try to turn its home opener into a first win and build cohesion among its new players. The game will stream on ESPN+ and air on 107.7 The Bronc.

Bottom Line

This is an early test of how quickly a completely rebuilt Rider team can find its footing against a New Hampshire squad that has already opened with a win.