CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging Queens (N.C.) team will look to extend its winning streak against a struggling North Alabama squad when the Royals host the Lions in an ASUN Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Levine Center.

The Royals (11-8, 5-1 ASUN) enter on a six-game conference winning streak, their latest an 87-81 victory at Stetson on Saturday. Guard Nasir Mann has been instrumental, averaging 12.2 points and 5.2 assists during the streak. He scored 20 points with six assists against the Hatters.

Conversely, the Lions (6-11, 1-5) have lost five of their last six, including a 90-68 home defeat to Jacksonville on Saturday. North Alabama has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 87.8 points in its five conference losses.

The matchup features two of the league’s top guards. Mann’s all-around play for Queens contrasts with North Alabama’s scoring leader, Kevin de Kovachich. The Lions’ guard is averaging 14.3 points in ASUN play, including a 17-point effort against Jacksonville and 19 against North Florida last week.

Queens has found its rhythm after a challenging non-conference slate that included losses to power-conference opponents Auburn, Arkansas and Wake Forest. Their offense has clicked in league play, scoring 85 or more points in four of their six conference wins.

North Alabama seeks to replicate its early conference success, an 82-73 win at Bellarmine on Jan. 10, but has since faced defensive woes. The Lions will need a significant road performance to slow the Royals’ momentum.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs. They will play again in Florence, Alabama, on Feb. 18.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.