RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging California Baptist looks to continue its climb in the Western Athletic Conference standings when it hosts a struggling Abilene Christian on Saturday at CBU Events Center.

The Lancers (17-6, 7-3 WAC) have won five of their last six games, including a gritty 56-55 victory over Tarleton State on Thursday. They sit just a game out of first place in the conference. Meanwhile, the Wildcats (10-12, 3-7) are mired in a six-game losing streak, most recently falling 68-55 at Utah Valley.

California Baptist won the first meeting this season handily, 74-58, in Abilene on Jan. 15. Lancers guard Martel Williams scored 23 points in that contest and has been a consistent force, averaging 13.4 points over his last five games. His backcourt play will be central against an Abilene Christian defense that has allowed an average of 74.2 points during its skid.

The Wildcats will lean on guard Bradyn Hubbard, who is coming off a 13-point performance at Utah Valley and has shown scoring bursts, including a 27-point outing at Texas-Arlington last month. However, Abilene Christian has struggled offensively in conference play, failing to reach 70 points in four of their last five losses.

California Baptist has excelled at home this season, boasting an 11-2 record at CBU Events Center. Their defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to 58 points or fewer in three of their last four home wins.

For Abilene Christian to snap its streak, it must improve its ball security and find secondary scoring behind Hubbard. The Wildcats committed 15 turnovers in the first matchup, which the Lancers converted into 19 points.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST Saturday. The game is a crucial opportunity for California Baptist to keep pace atop the WAC, while Abilene Christian seeks a season-altering road upset to salvage its conference campaign.