Preview: Milwaukee Panthers at Northern Kentucky Norse

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Interstat) — Two Horizon League teams heading in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Northern Kentucky Norse host the Milwaukee Panthers at BB&T Arena.

The Norse (13-11 overall) look to solidify their position in the league’s upper half and rebound from a tough 87-84 overtime loss to Green Bay on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Panthers (9-16) aim to snap a three-game skid and find consistency after a 76-63 defeat to Detroit.

Northern Kentucky won the season’s first meeting decisively, 85-67, in Milwaukee on Jan. 9. The Norse have since been led by the explosive scoring of guard Donovan Oday. He is averaging 26.4 points over his last five games, including a 40-minute, 28-point effort in the overtime loss to Green Bay. His ability to create offense will be central to the Norse attack.

Milwaukee’s challenge will be containing Oday while generating enough scoring of its own. The Panthers have struggled offensively during their losing streak, failing to reach 70 points in two of the three games. They will rely on guard Aaron Franklin, who nearly posted a triple-double with 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in a narrow 90-88 loss to Cleveland State on Feb. 1. Franklin’s all-around production is key for a Panthers team seeking more reliable options.

The matchup presents a contrast in recent form. Northern Kentucky has shown it can compete in high-scoring affairs, but has lost four of its last five. Milwaukee has found victories hard to come by, with just two wins in its last nine outings.

Saturday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the programs in Highland Heights this season. Following this game, Northern Kentucky travels to IU Indy on Feb. 12, while Milwaukee hosts Green Bay on Feb. 15.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST Saturday at BB&T Arena.