DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — A surging Murray State squad looks to extend its winning streak when it visits a struggling Drake team in a Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday at Knapp Center.

The Racers (16-3) have won seven consecutive games, the latest an 85-81 home victory over Indiana State on Saturday. The Bulldogs (9-10), meanwhile, have lost three of their last four, including a 74-67 defeat at Illinois-Chicago last time out.

Murray State’s run includes a 92-79 win over Valparaiso and an 81-77 road victory at Illinois-Chicago. Drake’s recent stretch features an overtime win at Southern Illinois and a close home loss to Belmont.

The teams met just over a month ago in Murray, Kentucky, with the Racers securing an 81-72 victory on Dec. 18.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top guards. Murray State’s Javon Jackson enters in stellar form, scoring at least 20 points in four of his last five games. He poured in 21 points in 27 minutes against Indiana State and is averaging 21.3 points per game during the Racers’ seven-game streak.

Drake will counter with Jalen Quinn, who is coming off a 28-point performance in the loss to Illinois-Chicago. Quinn also scored 21 points in the overtime win at Southern Illinois on Jan. 14.

The game represents a stark contrast in season trajectories. Murray State, near the top of the MVC standings, is building an at-large resume for the NCAA Tournament. Drake, sitting below .500, is in need of a signature conference win to reverse its momentum.

For the Racers, a win would maintain their position in the conference title race ahead of a Saturday trip to Northern Iowa. The Bulldogs, who host Evansville next Wednesday, are looking to protect their home court and level their conference record.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. EST Wednesday at Knapp Center in Des Moines.