EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging SIU Edwardsville squad looks to continue its strong start to the season when it hosts a struggling Morehead State team in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars (9-5) enter on a three-game winning streak, most recently grinding out a 59-55 victory over Southern Indiana on Thursday. SIUE has found success with balanced contributions, but guard Jack Campion has been a steadying force. Over his last five games, Campion is averaging 7.4 points and 5.6 assists, including a 10-assist performance in an overtime loss to Eastern Illinois on Dec. 18.

They will face a Morehead State team seeking to halt a slide. The Eagles (6-8) have lost two of their last three, including a 77-64 defeat at Lindenwood on Thursday. In that loss, forward Jon Carroll was a bright spot, scoring 18 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Carroll has been pivotal lately, averaging 12 points and 5.5 rebounds over his last four contests where he saw significant minutes.

The game marks the conference opener for both teams. SIUE’s record is bolstered by a perfect 5-0 mark at home this season, where they have won by an average margin of 31.6 points. Morehead State, conversely, is 1-6 in true road games, with its sole win coming in overtime at Southern Indiana on Dec. 20.

Historically, the road team has won the last two meetings in this series. They will meet again in Morehead, Kentucky, on Jan. 29.

For the Cougars, maintaining defensive intensity will be key after holding Southern Indiana to 55 points. For the Eagles, finding consistent scoring beyond Carroll and George Marshall, who had 16 points Thursday, is imperative to challenge SIUE’s home-court advantage.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Edwardsville.