EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging SIU Edwardsville squad will look to solidify its position in the Ohio Valley Conference standings when it hosts rival Eastern Illinois on Saturday at the Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars (18-12) enter the regular-season finale having won four of their last five, including a dominant 67-47 victory over Western Illinois on Thursday. Eastern Illinois (11-18), meanwhile, seeks to snap a two-game skid after a heartbreaking 70-68 home loss to Southern Indiana last Saturday.

SIU Edwardsville, which holds a significant edge in the overall season record, will rely on the interior presence of forward Arnas Sakenis. The junior is coming off a 14-point, 4-block performance and has been a defensive anchor, recording multiple blocks in seven of his last eight games. His ability to protect the rim will be crucial against a Panthers offense that runs through dynamic guard Zion Fruster.

Fruster is in the midst of a stellar individual stretch, averaging 18.7 points over his last three contests. He erupted for a season-high 28 points in the loss to Southern Indiana and has shouldered a heavy offensive load, playing 36 minutes or more in three of the last four games. Containing him will be a primary focus for the Cougars’ defense.

The teams’ first meeting this season was an instant classic, with Eastern Illinois pulling out a 76-72 overtime victory at home on Dec. 18. The Panthers will need a similar clutch performance to overcome SIU Edwardsville’s strong home-court advantage and recent form.

For the Cougars, a win would cap a strong regular season and provide momentum heading into the OVC tournament. For the Panthers, it represents a final opportunity to build confidence and play spoiler against their in-state rival before the postseason begins. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. EST.