Game 18 · American (8-9, 4-2 PL) vs. Loyola Maryland (9-10, 1-5 PL)

Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 22 - 7 p.m.
Site: Baltimore, Md. (Reitz Arena)
Series History: Loyola Maryland leads, 48-47
TV: Patriot League Network
Talent: Gary Lambrecht (pxp), Jim Chivers (color)

WASHINGTON - Riding a two-game winning streak, American University men's basketball heads up I-95 looking to keep the ball rolling against Loyola University Maryland on Wednesday night in Baltimore. 

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Loyola is one of American's longest-standing rivalries, as the two have battled since their Mason-Dixon Conference days in the 1940s. The Greyhounds took the first meeting, 27-25, way back on Jan. 27, 1928. 
• Since Loyola joined the Patriot League in 2013-14, the two teams have each won six times with the average margin of victory being 5.9 points. 
• In the last meeting on Feb. 13, 2019, Loyola erased a 13-point deficit in the second half to top AU, 86-84, inside Bender Arena 

SCOUTING THE EAGLES

• The Eagles have won four of their last five games, including two straight home wins over Bucknell and Holy Cross last week. 
• Connor Nelson hit the game-winning three-pointer as time expired against the Bison. His shot reached No. 3 on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays and is the second time a Nelson has had a game-winning buzzer-beater this season (Sa'eed against George Washington in November). 
• Against the Crusaders, American was led by Sa'eed Nelson, who scored 21 points and recorded five assists. It's Sa'eed's fourth 20-point performance this season, but first since putting up 25 against Howard on Nov. 26, 2019. 
• Jamir Harris leads the Patriot League in free-throw percentage (94.9). He has also made 13 straight freebies since Jan. 5 against Boston U.
• Sa'eed Nelson leads the league in minutes played (35.5/game) and steals (2.63/game). His steals/game also rank fifth in D-I. 
• American ranks near the top of the Patriot League in 3-point FG% (3rd, 34.6), steals (1st, 7.6/game), and turnover margin (1st, +1.06).

SCOUTING THE GREYHOUNDS

• After starting the season with an impressive 8-5 non-conference mark, Loyola has limped to a 1-5 start in Patriot League play. 
• The Greyhounds are paced by senior guard Andrew Kostecka, who leads the league in scoring at 20.9 ppg and has over 1,500 career points. 
• Kenneth Jones leads the league by shooting 46.2% from three-point range. 
• Loyola ranks third in the league by shooting 45.9% from the field. The Greyhounds are also unselfish with the ball, ranking third in the league with 16.0 assists/game.

OTHER GAME NOTES

• The Eagles have used the same starting five (S. Nelson, Harris, Boonyasith, Beckton Jr., Gasperini) for 16 straight games. 
• When American's bench gets going, the results have been good. The Eagles are 6-2, including 4-0 in PL play, when their bench outscores the opponent.
• A win would give American its longest winning streak of the season (three). 
• AU is looking to steal one on the road where they have struggled at times this season. The Eagles are 3-7 away from Bender Arena, but did beat Army West Point in New York earlier this month. 
• Once again, it's officially milestone watch for Sa'eed Nelson. With five more assists, he'll pass Andres Rodriguez on AU's all-time list, who had 465 from 2001-04. One more point and Sa'eed will take over sole possession of eighth place on the Patriot League's all-time scoring list, passing Brian Ehlers of Lafayette who had 1,836 points from 1996-00. 

INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKET INFO

• The next home men's basketball game in Bender Arena will be Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. vs. Colgate.
• Great seats are available for this and all remaining Patriot League basketball home games. 
• Secure your seats today by visiting AUeagles.com/Tickets or by calling (202) 885-TIXX (8499). 
• Group Tickets are available starting at just $5 each. 
• AU students are admitted free of charge to home basketball games with a valid AU ID.

KEEP UP WITH US

• For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@au_mbasketball).