NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — A tight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference race continues Saturday when Norfolk State hosts North Carolina Central in a rematch of a one-possession game from just over a month ago.

The Spartans (10-14) will look to defend their home court at Echols Hall and avenge a 69-67 road loss to the Eagles on Jan. 3. Norfolk State has struggled recently, dropping three of its last four, including an 88-60 setback at Howard last Saturday. In that game, guard Jordan Leaks led the Spartans with 13 points.

North Carolina Central (8-12) arrives with momentum from a 65-63 home win over Maryland-Eastern Shore on Monday. The Eagles have won three of their last four conference games, largely fueled by the play of guard Dionte Johnson. He is averaging 10.5 points and 8.3 assists over his last four contests, including an 18-point, 7-assist performance in the latest victory.

The January meeting between these teams was decided in the final moments, setting the stage for another potentially close matchup. Both teams sit in the middle of the MEAC standings and are jockeying for position with the conference tournament approaching.

Norfolk State will need to contain Johnson and find more consistent scoring beyond Leaks, who has averaged 8.3 points over his last seven games. The Spartans have shown offensive capability, however, scoring 103 points in a win over Coppin State on Jan. 24.

For the Eagles, replicating their defensive effort from Monday, when they held Maryland-Eastern Shore to 63 points, will be key on the road. Support for Johnson came from Jae’Daun Slack, who added 19 points in that win.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon at Echols Hall. Following this game, Norfolk State will host Delaware State on Feb. 14, while North Carolina Central will host Coppin State the same day.