NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — A pair of NAIA men’s basketball teams trending in opposite directions will meet Tuesday night when the Dillard Bleu Devils visit the Southern-New Orleans Knights.

Dillard (5-3) enters on a two-game winning streak, most recently a 67-62 road victory at Wiley on Saturday. The Bleu Devils have found success behind a balanced attack and the consistent play of forward Devin Lewis. Lewis is coming off a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Wiley, part of a strong stretch where he averaged 14.6 points and 8.2 rebounds over his last five contests. He is complemented by John Kelly III, who also posted a double-double Saturday with 12 points and 12 boards, and Christian Pichon Jr., who dished out nine assists.

Southern-New Orleans (4-7) looks to halt a skid after dropping its last outing, 82-66 at Philander Smith. The Knights have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over their past six games. They will lean on forward Dorian Booker, who has been a bright spot. Booker recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Philander Smith, his second double-double in three games. Teammate Erroll Smith also added a 12-point, 12-rebound performance in that game, giving the Knights a formidable interior presence.

The Knights will need that frontcourt strength to counter Dillard’s momentum. The Bleu Devils have shown resilience, including an overtime win over Paul Quinn on Nov. 20, and have won four of their last five. Southern-New Orleans has defended its home court well at times this season, posting decisive wins over Paul Quinn and Huston-Tillotson in New Orleans last month.

Tuesday’s matchup is the first of two scheduled meetings between the schools this NAIA season. They are set to meet again in New Orleans on Feb. 16, 2026.

Tip-off is set for Tuesday night at The Castle on the campus of Southern University at New Orleans.