WASHINGTON – The American University women's basketball team (0-8) welcomes in MAAC competitors Marist (3-5) to Bender on Saturday at 2 p.m. For the Eagles, this is their final non-conference home contest before conference play begins in Bender against Lafayette on December 30th.

QUICK INFO

• Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 10; 2:00 PM
• Site: Washington, D.C. (Bender Arena)
• Series History: Marist leads American, 2-1
• TV: ESPN+
• Talent: Dan Laing (pxp) and Jody Patrick (color)

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Marist leads the series against the Eagles 2-1, but the Eagles grabbed the most recent victory against the Foxes in their 59-52 win last season.
• Before last year's clash between the two sides, the teams met in 2002, where the Eagles fell to the Foxes 70-56.
• This will be Marist's first trip to Bender Arena since 2001, when the Foxes grabbed a 73-65 win against the Eagles.
• The Eagles look to even up the series with effective home field advantage this weekend. Last year, American went 16-1 in Bender.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT AMERICAN

• Last year, American had a 16-1 record at Bender Arena.  Being the Eagles' first home game since November 30th, AU looks to use this momentum to grab their first win of the season.
• Emily Johns leads the team in points this season. The junior is averaging 14.0 ppg, going 6-10 from the floor and grabbed 12 points in the Eagles' mid-week clash against No. 25 Villanova.
• Lauren Stack and Kayla Henning are becoming integral parts of the Eagles' offense. Against No. 25 Villanova, both had seven points, with Stack grabbing four boards and Henning taking three.
• The Eagles have played two ranked opponents this season in No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 25 Villanova. This is the first time American has played a ranked opponent in regular season play since No. 8 Stanford in the 2018-19 season.
• An Eagle to watch is freshman Molly Lavin. The Londoner is averaging 7.8 ppg in her first five collegiate games while also going 5-9 from beyond the arc.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MARIST

• The Foxes look to bounce back after their worst record in five years during 2021-22, finishing the season 8-21.
• After starting the season with a three game losing streak, Marist won both of their games at the MAAC/ASUN Challenge in Dublin, Ireland before coming home to defeat Lafayette. The Red Foxes are sitting on a 3-5 record coming into Bender.
• At the helm for 21 years, Brain Giorgis has transformed Marist into one of the MAAC's elite programs. Leading the Foxes to 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, including five NCAA Tournament victories and a Sweet 16 appearance, he has been named MAAC Coach of the Year eight times. 
• The Foxes are led in scoring so far this season by junior forward Zaria Shazer. She averages 13.5 ppg and 4.4 rpg. Shazer also has eight steals and 21 assists on the season.
• Kendall Kendrick is the leading scorer from beyond the arc. The graduate guard has made 14 3s and leads the team in steals.

TICKETS – "HOLIDAY 3-PACK" MINI-PLANS – ON SALE NOW

• This holiday season treat yourself or give the gift of AU Hoops by purchasing AU Basketball Holiday 3-Pack Ticket Mini-Plans! For just $48 the men's team, and just $18 for the women's team, you'll get a sideline ticket to any 3 remaining home men's or women's games of your choice.  Shopping for AU alumni and Eagle fans on your holiday list has never been easier. 
• Purchase now through Dec. 30 at AUeagles.com/Tickets!

GIVE TO THE EAGLES CLUB AND RECEIVE A HOLIDAY ORNAMENT!

• Make a minimum $25 gift to the AU Athletics Fund(s) of your choice, and receive a custom-made AU Athletics Holiday Ornament, while supplies last!
• Your gift allows us to ensure the most supportive athletic, academic, leadership, and character development programming for 267 AU student-athletes.
• It also provides the necessary resources for our coaches and teams to compete at the highest level in today's ever-challenging intercollegiate athletics environment.

KEEP UP WITH US

• For the latest on American University Women's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_WBasketball) and Instagram (@auwbasketball).