LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Interstat) — A surging SIU Edwardsville squad looks to avenge a narrow loss from a month ago when it visits struggling Arkansas-Little Rock in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Jack Stephens Center.

The Cougars (15-9) enter on a strong run, having won five of their last six games, including a 78-72 road victory at Lindenwood on Tuesday. Guard Jack Campion has been instrumental, averaging 12.4 points and 6.0 assists over that six-game stretch. He scored 17 points with seven assists in the win over Lindenwood.

Meanwhile, the Trojans (9-15) are mired in a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 79-74 at home to Lindenwood on Thursday. Despite the team’s struggles, forward Johnathan Lawson has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 18.0 points over the last five contests. He logged 40 minutes and scored 22 points with five assists and three blocks in the loss.

The January 8 meeting between these teams in Edwardsville was a tight affair, with Little Rock escaping with a 73-70 win. Lawson led the Trojans with 19 points in that game.

This rematch presents a stark contrast in momentum. SIUE, sitting six games above .500, is battling for position in the upper tier of the conference. Little Rock, six games below .500, is desperate to halt its skid and find consistency.

The Cougars will rely on Campion’s playmaking and a defense that has held opponents under 70 points in four of their last five wins. The Trojans will need another high-minute, high-output performance from Lawson and improved production from his supporting cast to counter SIUE’s recent form.

Following this game, SIUE hosts Southeast Missouri State on Feb. 12. Little Rock begins a two-game road trip at Western Illinois on the same date.