NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — A surging Ohio team looks to continue its climb above .500 when it visits struggling Old Dominion in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Constant Convocation Center.

The Bobcats (12-11) have won two straight, including a 91-71 rout of Western Michigan on Tuesday, and are seeking their first three-game winning streak since December. The Monarchs (7-17), meanwhile, aim to halt a two-game skid as part of a difficult season.

Ohio’s offense runs through guard Jackson Paveletzke, who is coming off a stellar stretch. He averaged 17 points and 8 assists in the two recent wins, including a 16-point, 11-assist double-double in a victory at Buffalo. For the season, he has been a consistent catalyst, scoring in double figures in 10 of his last 11 games.

Old Dominion will counter with its own high-volume scorer in guard Jordan Battle. He poured in 23 points in Wednesday’s 85-79 home loss to Louisiana-Monroe and has averaged 20.2 points over his last five contests. Battle scored 25 in a road win at Appalachian State last month, demonstrating his capability to carry the offense.

The Bobcats have shown potency, averaging 86.5 points in their last two victories. Javan Simmons (17 points) and Ajay Sheldon (12) provided key support alongside Paveletzke in the win over Western Michigan. Old Dominion’s defense, which allows 77.1 points per game, will be tested.

The Monarchs have shown flashes, with narrow losses to James Madison and Georgia Southern, and will rely on secondary scorers like Ketron Shaw and Zacch Wiggins to complement Battle. Home court has offered little advantage, however, as Old Dominion is just 4-7 in Norfolk this season.

This game represents a final nonconference tune-up for both before resuming league play. Ohio returns to Mid-American Conference action next week, while Old Dominion heads back into Sun Belt Conference play Wednesday against Marshall.

Saturday’s tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.