LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Interstat) — Two Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball teams on opposite trajectories will meet Saturday when Arkansas-Little Rock hosts Western Illinois at Jack Stephens Center.

The Trojans (8-10) enter riding a three-game winning streak, including a 74-63 home victory over Eastern Illinois on Thursday. The Leathernecks (4-14) have lost seven straight, most recently falling 57-55 at Eastern Illinois on Tuesday.

Arkansas-Little Rock’s surge has been fueled by guard Johnathan Lawson, who is averaging 21.2 points and 5.7 assists over his last six games. He scored 15 points with six assists in the win over Eastern Illinois, following a 20-point, five-assist performance in a road win at Lindenwood last Saturday.

Western Illinois, still seeking its first conference win, will lean on guard Karyiek Dixon. He led the team with 14 points in the narrow loss to Eastern Illinois and has been a consistent scoring threat during the losing skid.

The Trojans have found offensive rhythm during their streak, averaging 76.3 points in the three wins. Forward Kachi Nzeh added 17 points and two blocks in Thursday’s win, providing a key interior presence.

Conversely, Western Illinois has struggled to score, failing to reach 70 points in any of its seven consecutive losses. Beyond Dixon, production has been inconsistent. Makai Kvamme dished five assists in the last outing, and Lucas Lorenzen added 13 points, but sustaining a full-game offensive effort has been a challenge.

The teams will meet again in Macomb, Illinois, on Feb. 12. For now, the Trojans aim to protect their home court and continue their climb in the OVC standings, while the Leathernecks are desperate to halt their slide and find a conference victory.

Saturday’s game tips off a key stretch for both squads as they approach the midpoint of the league schedule.