LOWELL, Mass. (Interstat) — Two America East Conference men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks host the Albany Great Danes at Costello Athletic Center.

Both teams enter the Jan. 3 contest on losing streaks against major-conference opponents. Albany (4-11) fell 96-67 at South Carolina on Tuesday, while Massachusetts-Lowell (5-10) lost 90-62 at Iowa on Monday.

The matchup features two of the league’s top individual performers. Albany’s Okechukwu Okeke has been a defensive force, recording seven blocks in a win over Stony Brook on Dec. 17 and five blocks against Cornell on Dec. 21. Over his last three games, the forward is averaging 9.3 points and 4.3 blocks per contest.

For the River Hawks, guard Angel Montas has been a consistent scoring threat. He poured in 23 points against Iowa and 20 points at Boston University on Dec. 21. In his last four outings, Montas is averaging 16.5 points per game.

Albany’s most recent victory was a 71-55 road win at Stony Brook, fueled by Okeke’s defensive dominance. Massachusetts-Lowell’s last win was an 87-82 home victory over Sacred Heart on Dec. 16, where Montas contributed 5 points and 3 assists.

The River Hawks hold a slight edge in overall record, but both teams have struggled for consistency in non-conference play. Albany has lost five of its last six, while Massachusetts-Lowell has dropped four of its last five.

This game marks the conference opener for both programs. The teams will meet again in Albany on Feb. 7.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Lowell.