Preview: Elms College at Dartmouth

Elms College Travels to Ivy League Rivalry in Dartmouth Showdown

January 01, 2026 - Leede Arena, Hanover, NH

The stage is set for an intriguing non-conference showdown as Elms College takes on Dartmouth in a matchup that promises to be more than just a tune-up for both teams. With the Ivy League opponent boasting a strong 5-6 record, this contest serves as a crucial resume-building opportunity for the Golden Bears.

Dartmouth, led by senior Kareem Thomas's 19.7 points per game average, has been quietly building momentum in recent weeks. Their latest contests against Sacred Heart, Holy Cross, Boston U, Colorado St, and Wyoming have yielded mixed results, with the team demonstrating flashes of brilliance before succumbing to their opponents' defensive prowess.

In contrast, Elms College's recent performance has been underwhelming, with the Golden Bears struggling to find consistency in their play. A 0-1 record against a single opponent is hardly an impressive résumé, and the team will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to mount a challenge against Dartmouth.

While both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, the difference-maker could be the bench production for Dartmouth. The Ivy League squad boasts a formidable bench that has consistently provided spark off the bench, while Elms College's reserve unit has looked listless in their recent appearances. If Dartmouth can continue to rely on their deep bench to provide a scoring boost, they may have the upper hand in this matchup.

As Elms College looks to climb out of the depths of their recent struggles, they'll need to find a way to exploit Dartmouth's defensive vulnerabilities. The Golden Bears' defense has been susceptible to opponents' outside shooting, and if Elms can find ways to stretch the Dartmouth defense with three-point attempts, they may be able to create some scoring opportunities.

For Dartmouth, the key will be to contain Thomas and limit his impact on the game. If the senior forward can't get going, it could spell disaster for the Golden Bears. However, if Elms College can find ways to slow him down or force him into difficult shots, they may be able to create some space on the court.

This matchup promises to be a closely contested and hard-fought affair, with both teams leaving everything on the court. As the stage is set for an intriguing showdown between two teams looking to build momentum in their respective seasons, one thing is certain - only one team will emerge victorious.