VALPARAISO, Ind. (Interstat) — The Northern Iowa Panthers look to halt a three-game skid when they visit the Valparaiso Beacons in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup on Saturday.

The Panthers (12-6, 3-4 MVC) have dropped consecutive games to Belmont, Bradley and Illinois-Chicago after a strong start to league play. They will rely on guard Trey Campbell, who is averaging 16.3 points over his last seven games. Campbell scored 21 in Tuesday’s 69-61 home loss to Illinois-Chicago and had 12 points in a 58-48 win over Valparaiso on Dec. 29.

Valparaiso (8-10, 2-5) has lost four of its last five, including a 78-74 defeat at Belmont on Tuesday. Forward Owen Dease has been a bright spot, averaging 19.9 points in that same seven-game span. He poured in 28 points in a win over Illinois State on Jan. 7 and had 18 in the loss at Northern Iowa last month.

The Beacons have struggled defensively, allowing 80.3 points per game in conference play. They will need to contain a Northern Iowa offense that has been inconsistent but capable, as shown in wins over Indiana State and Evansville earlier this month.

Northern Iowa leads the all-time series 15-9 and has won the last two meetings. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

For Northern Iowa, this begins a critical stretch to stay in the upper half of the Valley standings. Valparaiso seeks a home-court boost to climb out of the league’s lower tier.