DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — A pair of NAIA men’s basketball teams looking to build momentum in the new year will meet Saturday when the Grand View Vikings host the Central Methodist Eagles.

The matchup at Des Moines pits the Eagles (9-5) against the Vikings (7-5) in what will be the first game for both programs in 2026 following a holiday break.

Central Methodist enters having won three of its last four, most recently a 97-80 road victory at Clarke (Iowa) on Dec. 13. In that contest, Raphael Gay posted a dominant double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Isaiah Reams added 23 points and six assists. The Eagles’ offense has been potent, scoring 89 or more points in four of their last five wins.

Grand View seeks to rebound from a narrow 65-61 home loss to MidAmerica Nazarene on Dec. 13, which snapped a two-game win streak. In that defeat, Lukas Helms led the Vikings with 18 points and eight rebounds. The team has shown resilience on its home floor earlier this season, notching non-conference wins over Avila (Mo.) and Culver-Stockton (Mo.).

The Vikings’ schedule shows a challenging January ahead, with upcoming road games at Missouri Valley, Park and Benedictine. A home win to open the month is a priority. Central Methodist, meanwhile, begins a stretch of eight Heart of America Athletic Conference games in its next 10 contests starting Saturday, making a strong conference opener equally crucial.

Historically, games in this series have often been closely contested. The Eagles’ current form, led by Gay and Reams, presents a significant test for a Grand View defense that allowed just 58 points in a November win over Clarke but has been inconsistent at times.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Des Moines. For Central Methodist, it’s a chance to push its record to 10 wins and solidify a strong start to conference play. For Grand View, it’s an opportunity to defend its home court and even its conference ledger early in the Heart schedule.