MONROE, La. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in difficult seasons will meet Saturday when Ball State visits Louisiana-Monroe in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

The Cardinals (7-15) and Warhawks (4-20) enter with two of the more challenging records in Division I. Ball State arrives after a 52-77 loss at Bowling Green on Tuesday, its second straight defeat following a three-game winning streak in mid-January. Louisiana-Monroe, conversely, snapped a seven-game skid with an 85-79 road victory at Old Dominion on Wednesday.

The game features a compelling backcourt matchup between two standout guards. Ball State’s Davion Hill has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.1 points over his last seven games. He scored 22 points in a Jan. 10 loss at Massachusetts and had 19 points and four assists in a Jan. 16 win over Ohio.

He will be countered by Louisiana-Monroe’s Krystian Lewis, who is coming off a career-best 28-point, six-assist performance in the win over Old Dominion. Lewis has topped 20 points in four of his last six contests, including a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double at Southern Mississippi on Jan. 10.

Ball State’s recent success has been sporadic, with its wins this season often followed by multiple losses. Beyond Hill, production has been inconsistent. Armoni Zeigler (11 points) was the only other Cardinal in double figures against Bowling Green.

Louisiana-Monroe’s victory over Old Dominion, powered by Lewis, Lavell Brodnex (21 points) and MJ Russell (21 points), provided a rare bright spot in a season marred by defensive struggles. The Warhawks have allowed 83 or more points in eight of their 20 losses.

This is the first meeting between the programs since 2019. For both, Saturday represents a final nonconference opportunity to build confidence before returning to their respective league slates next week. Ball State returns to Mid-American Conference play Wednesday against Buffalo, while Louisiana-Monroe resumes Sun Belt action Wednesday at Arkansas State.