ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — Two men’s NAIA basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Monday when the Mission Patriots visit the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Eutectics.

The Patriots (4-7) enter on a positive note, having snapped a three-game skid with an 82-71 road win at Haskell Indian Nations University on Dec. 9. Najee Williams led the way with 19 points and six rebounds, continuing a strong stretch for the guard. Over his last five games, Williams is averaging 23.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest, including a 34-point outburst against Evangel on Nov. 25.

Mission’s recent success has been fueled by balanced contributions. In the win over Haskell, Sammy Ishimwe added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Davion Sargent-Young chipped in 11 points and six boards.

UHSP (1-9) is looking to rebound from a 58-71 loss at Central Baptist on Saturday. The Eutectics’ lone victory this season came at home on Dec. 11, a 72-70 triumph over Oakland City. Guard Landon Engelage has been a bright spot, scoring 21 points in the recent loss and 23 in the win. He has reached double figures in scoring in four of his last five outings.

Defensive consistency will be a key focus for both sides. Mission has allowed an average of 90.4 points in its losses, while UHSP has struggled to find offensive rhythm, scoring 70 points or fewer in six of its ten games.

This non-conference matchup is the first of two meetings this season between the programs. They are scheduled to play again at Mission on Jan. 31, 2026.

Monday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. Central Time at UHSP Gymnasium. Mission will travel to face Benedictine on Wednesday, while UHSP is off until a Jan. 2 road game at Bethel (Tenn.).