YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — Two Horizon League men’s basketball teams looking to halt slides will meet Saturday when Youngstown State hosts Milwaukee at Beeghly Center.

The Penguins (9-10) have lost four of their last five, including a narrow 80-78 defeat at Cleveland State last Saturday. The Panthers (8-12) have dropped five of their last six, most recently a 100-82 loss at Purdue Fort Wayne on Jan. 18.

The matchup features two of the conference’s top offensive talents. Milwaukee sophomore guard Amar Augillard is coming off a career-high 35-point performance in the loss to Purdue Fort Wayne, where he shot 13 of 22 from the field in 29 minutes. Over his last eight games, Augillard is averaging 16.9 points, including three outings of 28 points or more.

Youngstown State will counter with senior guard Cris Carroll, who scored 21 points in the tight loss to Cleveland State. Carroll has been a consistent scorer for the Penguins, reaching double figures in five of his last seven contests.

Both teams have struggled defensively in recent losses. Milwaukee allowed 100 points in its last outing, while Youngstown State has given up an average of 83.2 points over its last five games. The Panthers will need to find support beyond Augillard; in the Jan. 18 loss, only Sekou Konneh (11 rebounds) and Stevie Elam joined him in double-figure scoring.

The Penguins have shown offensive balance, with Jason Nelson averaging 6.0 assists over his last three games and Bryson Dawkins adding a scoring threat alongside Carroll.

Milwaukee holds a slim edge in the all-time series, but Youngstown State won the last meeting. With both teams clustered in the middle of the Horizon League standings, Saturday’s contest is a crucial opportunity to build momentum for the second half of the conference schedule.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST. The Panthers continue their road trip at Wright State on Jan. 30, while the Penguins host IU Indy on the same date.