WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - In the midst of a stretch of five games in nine days, the Hartford men's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion on Thursday night to welcome the defending America East champion Binghamton Bearcats. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

The Hawks come into the game having won two of their last three games, including a 56-53 victory over the conference's best defensive team, New Hampshire, last Saturday afternoon at home. Hartford opened this week with a 78-66 loss at Vermont on Tuesday. The Catamounts sit in first place in the America East, the league's only remaining undefeated team in conference. Hartford battled throughout and made things uncomfortable for the league leaders, but were hampered by foul trouble and hit just 5-of-10 free throws, compared to 27-of-37 for Vermont.

Hartford will play at home for the first time since junior Joe Zeglinski was named the America East Player of the Week for his performances at UMBC and against New Hampshire. The native of Philadelphia knocked down 26 points against the Wildcats, nearly half of the Hawks' points, to set a new season high.

Thursday's game opens up a two-game homestand for the Hawks, matching their longest of the season. The last time they played two straight home games, they won both over Marist and Fordham in November. The Hawks will host Maine on Saturday in the annual Coaches vs. Cancer contest.

Thursday's game tips at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Malcolm and Brenda Berman Athletics Box Office at Reich Family Pavilion, or by calling 860-768-HAWK. Fans who can't make it to the arena can listen to all the action on the flagship station of Hartford men's basketball, WDRC-1360.