SAN ANTONIO (Interstat) — Two Southland Conference men’s basketball teams trending in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Incarnate Word Cardinals host the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders at the McDermott Convocation Center.

The Islanders (10-9, 4-2 Southland) look to rebound from a decisive 69-53 home loss to McNeese State on Monday. Prior to that, they had won five of their previous six conference games. The Cardinals (9-10, 3-3), meanwhile, are reeling from an 80-58 home defeat to Texas A&M-Commerce, also on Monday, which snapped a brief two-game win streak.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top performers. For Corpus Christi, forward Sheldon Williams is coming off a strong 13-point, 8-rebound effort in the loss to McNeese. Over his last eight games, Williams is averaging 11.1 points and has scored in double figures five times, including a 16-point performance in a win at Houston Christian.

Incarnate Word will counter with guard Tahj Staveskie, a dynamic scorer who has been a bright spot despite the team’s struggles. Staveskie poured in 23 points in a win over Northwestern State on Jan. 17 and is averaging 17.9 points over his last seven contests. His season high of 27 points came in a victory over Houston Christian earlier this month.

The Islanders have found success on the road in conference play, posting a 3-1 record away from home. The Cardinals have struggled to protect their home court, going 1-2 in Southland games at the McDermott Center.

Historically, the teams have split their last four meetings. This contest is the first of a regular-season series, with the rematch scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2 in Corpus Christi.

Saturday’s winner will gain crucial momentum near the midpoint of the conference schedule. For Incarnate Word, a victory would help stabilize its record and conference standing. For Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, a road win is essential to keep pace near the top of the Southland standings after Monday’s setback.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in San Antonio.