CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Mercyhurst Lakers look to complete a regular-season sweep and continue their push toward .500 when they visit the struggling Chicago State Cougars in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Jones Convocation Center.

The Lakers (11-11) edged the Cougars 61-59 just six days prior in Erie, Pennsylvania, part of a recent surge that has seen Mercyhurst win five of its last seven games. Chicago State (2-19) seeks to end a seven-game losing streak and avenges that narrow defeat on its home floor.

Mercyhurst is coming off a dominant 70-51 victory over New Haven on Thursday, where Qadir Martin scored 12 points. The junior guard has been a consistent two-way force, averaging 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.8 blocks over his last eight contests. His defensive presence, including a six-block performance against Wagner on Jan. 10, will be key against a Cougars squad averaging just 62.2 points per game.

Chicago State will lean on guard Braelon Bush, who led the team with 13 points in the first meeting with Mercyhurst. Bush is coming off a 19-point, 7-assist effort in an overtime loss to Stonehill on Jan. 10, showcasing his capability as a primary scorer and facilitator for the Cougars’ offense.

Despite their record, the Cougars have shown flashes of competitiveness, with four of their last six losses coming by 10 points or fewer, including the two-point loss at Mercyhurst. The Lakers, however, have found a rhythm in January, winning six of their nine games this month behind balanced scoring and improved defense.

Saturday’s matchup, organized by the Northeast Conference, is the second of two scheduled meetings this season between the independent programs. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. EST at Chicago State’s Jones Convocation Center.