BALTIMORE (Interstat) — A surging Morgan State looks to avenge a lopsided loss from earlier this season when it hosts Maryland-Eastern Shore in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Hill Field House.

The Bears (9-13, 5-2 MEAC) enter on a five-game winning streak, their longest of the season, fueled by the explosive scoring of guard Alfred Worrell. In his last four games against conference foes, Worrell is averaging 25.8 points, including a 33-point outburst in a win at Norfolk State. He posted 24 points, five rebounds and four assists in Morgan State’s most recent outing, an 89-80 victory at Coppin State on Jan. 31.

Conversely, the Hawks (8-16, 3-4) have lost three straight since a three-game conference win streak in January. Their last victory was a 70-67 decision over Coppin State on Jan. 17. Guard Jaden Cooper has been a bright spot, averaging 14.2 points over his last five games. He scored 19 in Wednesday’s 63-54 loss at South Carolina State.

The January meeting between these teams was one-sided, with the Hawks dominating Morgan State 66-49 in Princess Anne. That result snapped a three-game winning streak for the Bears in the series.

Morgan State’s resurgence has been keyed by improved offense, scoring 78 or more points in four of its five consecutive wins. The Hawks have struggled to find consistent scoring, failing to reach 65 points in any of their three February losses.

Saturday’s contest is the first of a crucial back-half MEAC schedule for both teams as they jockey for seeding in the conference tournament. Following this game, Morgan State hits the road for two games, while Maryland-Eastern Shore returns home for a two-game stand.

Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. EST.