EVANSTON, Ill. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum at the close of a difficult season will meet Saturday when the Northwestern Wildcats host the Oregon Ducks in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

The game, organized by the Big Ten, features teams with nearly identical records. Northwestern enters at 12-16 overall, while Oregon arrives at 11-17. Both squads are coming off rare recent victories, hoping to build a winning streak.

Oregon snapped a three-game skid with an emphatic 85-71 home win over Wisconsin on Wednesday. The Ducks have shown volatility, following a 44-point outing in a loss to Minnesota with an 83-point performance against Penn State earlier this month. Their success often hinges on the play of guard Nate Bittle, who is averaging 18.1 points over his last seven games. Bittle scored 20 points with five assists in the win over Wisconsin, following a 22-point, seven-rebound, five-assist effort against Penn State.

Northwestern also ended a losing streak with its most impressive win of the season, a 72-68 road victory at Indiana on Tuesday. The Wildcats are 3-3 in their last six, with all three wins coming at home. Forward Nick Martinelli has been a consistent offensive force, scoring 28 and 29 points in the team’s last two victories. He averages 21.4 points over his last seven contests.

The matchup presents a contrast in strengths. Oregon will rely on Bittle’s backcourt leadership and the supporting scoring of Takai Simpkins and Kwame Evans, who combined for 33 points against Wisconsin. Northwestern will look to establish Martinelli inside and get production from Arrinten Page and Jake West, who scored 16 in the Indiana win.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Northwestern travels to Purdue next Wednesday, while Oregon faces a trip to Illinois on Tuesday.