After already facing plenty of ups and downs this season, the Skidmore men’s and women’s basketball teams open Liberty League play tonight when they each host Union. The women’s game tips off at 6 p.m., with the men beginning at 8.

The Skidmore women (4-6), the defending regular-season Liberty League champions, are led by Megan Gaugler (Amsterdam), who averages 10.9 points per game. Union (5-3) is led by Lauren McCormick with 13.9 points per game. Freshman Marissa Ray (Shenendehowa) averages 6.4 points to rank third on the team in scoring.

The Skidmore men (6-4) earned accolades in Sports Illustrated and ESPN for playing a seven-overtime game in November, tied for the longest game in NCAA history. But December brought headlines on a different sort, as two players on the team were accused of having roles in an assault case in downtown Saratoga. The Thoroughbreds have dropped their first two contests of 2011 and will look to get back on track tonight.

Melvis Langyintuo leads four Skidmore players in double figures with an average of 12.9 points per game. Jeff Altimar (12.0), Terron Victoria (11.2), and Gerard O’Shea (10.7) round out the top scorers. Union (8-3) is led by Justin Gallo with 19.0 points per game.

Skidmore is providing live stats for both games.