BOZEMAN, Mont. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big Sky Conference men’s basketball matchup is set for Saturday at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse as the Montana State Bobcats host the Weber State Wildcats.

Both teams enter the contest with momentum from winning records in January, looking to solidify their positions in the conference standings. Montana State (11-8 overall) has won five of its last six games, including a 73-68 road victory at Northern Colorado on Monday. The Bobcats are 4-1 in Big Sky play.

Weber State (10-9) saw a four-game winning streak snapped in a 75-67 home loss to Idaho last Saturday. Prior to that, the Wildcats had surged with consecutive conference wins. They are also 4-1 in the Big Sky.

The game features a compelling backcourt duel. Weber State is led by dynamic guard Tijan Saine, who is averaging 20.4 points per game over his last seven contests. He scored 25 points with six assists in the loss to Idaho and has been the Wildcats’ consistent offensive catalyst.

Montana State counters with guard Jed Miller, who has provided steady scoring and playmaking. Miller is coming off a 22-point performance against Northern Arizona on Jan. 3 and has scored in double figures in five of his last six outings.

The Bobcats have relied on a balanced attack, with Davian Brown (16 points) and Jeremiah Davis contributing in the recent win over Northern Colorado. For Weber State, Viljami Vartiainen (12 points) and Nigel Burris provided support alongside Saine in their last game.

Home court could be a significant factor. Montana State is 7-1 at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse this season. Weber State will aim to replicate its recent road success, having won at Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona earlier this month.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Ogden, Utah, on Feb. 19.

Saturday’s winner will gain an important early conference victory and maintain pace near the top of the Big Sky standings. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.