OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — A surging Omaha team looks to continue its climb and avenge an earlier loss when it visits Summit League front-runner North Dakota State on Saturday.

The matchup at Scheels Arena in Fargo, North Dakota, pits teams on contrasting trajectories. The Bison (19-5, 8-1 Summit) have won nine of their last 10 games and sit atop the conference standings. The Mavericks (12-12, 5-4), after a slow start, have won four of their last five to reach .500.

North Dakota State edged Omaha 78-76 in their first meeting on Jan. 10, a game that figures to provide motivation for the rematch.

Omaha will lean on the hot hand of forward Paul Djobet, who is averaging 22.5 points over his last six games. He posted 22 points, six rebounds and five assists in the first meeting against the Bison and is coming off a 27-point, 11-rebound performance in an 84-82 road win at Denver last Saturday.

The Bison counter with point guard Andy Stefonowicz, the engine of their efficient offense. He logged 43 minutes and dished out 10 assists in an 89-84 overtime win at South Dakota last weekend. In the Jan. 10 win over Omaha, Stefonowicz had three points and three assists.

Omaha’s recent success has been fueled by improved offensive output, averaging 79.2 points during its 4-1 stretch. Alongside Djobet, Grant Stubblefield (17 points vs. Denver) and Ja’Sean Glover (19 points vs. Denver) provide scoring depth.

North Dakota State has been dominant in conference play, winning by an average of 13.2 points in its eight Summit League victories. Their balanced attack features Noah Feddersen, who scored 20 points against South Dakota, and Trevian Carson.

A win for Omaha would mark a significant statement in the league race and bolster its seeding for the upcoming conference tournament. For North Dakota State, protecting its home court is crucial to maintaining its hold on first place.

Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST Saturday.