SAN ANTONIO (Interstat) — The Incarnate Word Cardinals, riding a two-game winning streak, will host the struggling Houston Christian Huskies in a Southland Conference men’s basketball matchup on Saturday at the McDermott Convocation Center.

The Cardinals (7-6) enter conference play with momentum after a 79-70 home victory over Southeastern Louisiana on Dec. 30. Jordan Pyke led the way with 26 points and six rebounds, continuing a strong stretch where he has averaged 18.2 points over his last five games. Incarnate Word has found success at home this season, including a dominant 90-66 win over Northern Arizona on Dec. 21.

Houston Christian (5-8) looks to snap a four-game skid, most recently an 89-61 road loss to Iowa State on Dec. 29. Despite the defeat, guard Demari Williams scored 19 points against the Cyclones, his third double-figure scoring performance in the last six contests. The Huskies’ last win came on Dec. 6 at New Orleans, an 85-76 victory where Williams added 11 points.

The Huskies have struggled defensively during their losing streak, allowing an average of 80 points per game. Containing Pyke and Incarnate Word guard Tahj Staveskie, who had 21 points and six assists last time out, will be a primary challenge.

Incarnate Word holds a slight edge in record and home-court advantage, but both teams are opening their conference schedules seeking an early foothold in the Southland standings. The Cardinals won both meetings last season.

Saturday’s game tips off at 4 p.m. CST. Houston Christian visits Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Monday, while Incarnate Word travels to Texas-Rio Grande Valley the same day. The teams will meet again in Houston on Jan. 26.