Saturday, December 10 | 1:30 pm
Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium | Albany, NY
American International (3-7/2-4 NE-10) at Saint Rose (6-2/4-2 NE-10)

Game Coverage: Live Stats | Live Audio | Game Notes (pdf)

ALBANY - The College of Saint Rose puts its unbeaten (4-0) home streak on the line when the Golden Knights host American International College at 1:30 pm today at the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium.

Scouting Saint Rose (6-2/4-2 NE-10)
The Golden Knights are receiving votes in the latest USA Today ESPN Division II Poll. Saint Rose paces the NE-10 in blocks (5.0 bpg) and 3FG% (38.9); and is fourth in FT% (77.2) at this juncture. They are also the top defensive unit in the league, surrendering a mere 51.9 points per-game. Opponents are also shooting a league-worst 32.3 percent from the floor against Saint Rose. The Golden Knights have held four of their first eight opponents to 50 points or less. Saint Rose has led at halftime in all but one game (Assumption) this season. Rath became the first Golden Knight to eclipse 35 points in five years (Mary Lewis '07) on Tuesday. She also tied her career-high with eight, 3-pointers in the contest. Six players are contributing at least 5.5 points per-game led by Rath, who tosses in 19.5 points on a regular basis for the third-highest scoring average in the NE-10. Rath is also shooting 48.8 percent (21-for-43) from the arc and 87.5 percent (35-for-40) from the stripe. She ranks second and sixth in the conference in both categories. Shajuyigbe (11.0 ppg) and Johnson (10.0 ppg) are also contributing twin-figures.
 
Scouting American Int'l (3-7/2-4 NE-10)
The Yellow Jackets have dropped two in a row following a 67-65 loss versus New Haven on Tuesday. Senior guard Michelle Lafond paces the squad in scoring (17.1 ppg). She has been in double-figures eight times this year and recorded 20-plus on four occasions. AIC is second in the league in rebounding (41.5 rpg) where it owns a +6.8 differential against its opponents. The Yellow Jackets are one of two teams (Saint Michael's) who have made more free throws (144) than any other team in the NE-10.

The Series
Today marks the 25th meeting between the two clubs. American International owns a 14-10 lead in the all-time series. The Yellow Jackets have recorded 10 of their 14 wins on their home floor. Saint Rose has won three in a row over AIC at the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium, including a 58-44 triumph last February 5.

Home Sweet Home
The Golden Knights have found great success at the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium since its renovation prior to the 2004-05 season. Saint Rose has posted a 71-24 home slate for a .747 winning percentage. Furthermore, the Golden Knights have defeated five ranked opponents on their home floor, including twice last season.

Up Next
Saint Rose steps away from its conference schedule next Friday when the Golden Knights head to C.W. Post for a 6:00 pm non-league affair in Brookville, NY. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets have a chance to catch their breath before opening up 2012 with a road contest at UMass Lowell on Tuesday, January 3.