EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — A surging North Dakota State team looks to rebound from a narrow defeat when it visits struggling UTEP in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Monday.

The Bison (10-4) arrive at the Don Haskins Center having won six of their last seven games, though they are coming off a heartbreaking 74-73 loss at UC Irvine on Sunday. Guard Damari Wheeler-Thomas, who scored 14 points in that defeat, has been a consistent force. He is averaging 16.6 points over his last eight games, including a 28-point outing at Arkansas State and a 23-point performance at Montana.

UTEP (3-7) seeks to end a five-game skid, with each loss in that stretch coming by 10 points or fewer. The Miners fell 72-71 to Norfolk State at home on Sunday, despite 18 points and seven assists from guard Caleb Blackwell. He leads UTEP in scoring during its losing streak, averaging 13.3 points over the last four games.

The contest pits one of the nation’s more efficient offenses against one seeking stability. North Dakota State averages 81.9 points per game and shoots 49.2% from the field. UTEP, conversely, averages 69.2 points and has been held under 72 points in four of its five consecutive losses.

North Dakota State’s resilience in close games has been a hallmark, with three of its last six wins decided by three points or fewer. UTEP’s recent woes have been defined by an inability to close, with three losses in its skid coming by four points or less, including two one-point defeats.

This is the first meeting between the programs since 2011. Following this game, North Dakota State opens Summit League play at home against South Dakota on Dec. 31. UTEP travels to face Louisiana Tech on Dec. 29 to begin Conference USA action.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST Monday.