The King’s Monarchs (8-5, 1-1) take on DeSales (9-4, 1-1) at home in a conference battle at 8 p.m.

King’s is led by their talented sophomore forward Dan Rutecki. The underclassman averages 15.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Rutecki also shoots 52 percent from the field and an exceptional 86 percent from the charity stripe. He is the two-time defending Freedom Conference player of the week.

Leading the backcourt is freshman Chris Fazzini. The youngster is putting together a quality first season as he averages 11.4 points per game. He also leads the Monarchs in steals with 18 through the first half of the season.

The opposition will throw out a quality big man themselves. Junior, Cody Deal, averages 15.5 points and 5.5 boards per game. Deal has been inconsistent in his past three games, putting up six, 22 and nine points respectively. The team has gone 2-1 over that three game stretch.

King’s is coming off two close wins over Muhlenberg and Penn State Wilkes-Barre. In those games the Monarchs won by a total of four points combined.

DeSales is 7-3 in their last ten games and pose as a tough opponent for the Monarchs.

Both teams are in search of their second conference win.

Vito Malacari covers King’s sports for WRKC Digital, follow him on Twitter @VitoMalacari23 or email him at VitoMalacari841@Kings.edu