Staten Island, NY - The Wagner College men's basketball team will face-off against the Penn State Scranton Nittany Lions on Monday, December 23 at the Spiro Sports Center. Tip-off is set for noon.

Sanchez Continues To Impress

Throughout the past five games, graduate student Ja'Kair Sanchez is averaging 14.6 points per game and a team-high 9.8 on the year. Sanchez has been named a Northeast Conference (NEC) Prime Performer for the past two weeks, after scoring a season-high 22 against Coppin State in his first start as a Seahawk. The Syracuse native has scored double-digits in four of his last five games.

A Career Night

Senior guard Javier Ezquerra dished out a career-high 11 assists in the win over Penn State Fayette. Saturday's game marked the second this season in which Ezquerra has totaled double-digit assists in one game, after earning 10 assists against Manor earlier this year. The San Juan, Puerto Rico native will be playing in his 100th career game as a Seahawk on Monday.

It Takes A Village

The Seahawks bench has been stepping up as of late. Junior forward R.J. Greene has scored at least thirteen points in three out of his last five games, including multiple crucial second half baskets against UMES on December 8. Graduate student guard Zae Blake scored 11 and 12 points against NJIT and Manhattan, respectively. Senior Zaire Williams poured in a season-high 20 points on 5-8 from beyond-the-arc against Penn State Fayette.
 

Wagner DNA

The Seahawks are ranked ninth national in scoring defense, allowing 58.8 points per game this season. Wagner ranks first in the NEC in the same category, giving up 8.6 less points than second-place CCSU. The Green & White are in the top 27% percentile in rebounding margin in the country, grabbing 4.7 more rebounds than their opponents. Wagner also ranks first in opponents field goal shooting percentage among the conference at 41.8%.

Scouting The Nittany Lions

Penn State Scranton is currently 9-5 on its season, and 5-1 in PSUAC East play, putting them third in the seven team division. Freshman guard Zay Fowlks leads the Nittany Lions with 23.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Fellow freshman forward Mario Oliveri adds 20.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Senior guard Jaiden Wiggins ranks third on the roster in points per game with 16.

Next Up

Wagner will begin its 16-game Northeast Conference (NEC) slate with a matchup against conference newcomer Chicago State on Friday, January 3 at the Spiro Sports Center. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm.