BALDWIN CITY, Kan. (Interstat) — Two NAIA men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers visit the Baker Wildcats at Collins Center.

The Pioneers (10-10) enter at .500 after a 65-72 home loss to Graceland on Monday. The Wildcats (7-12) look to halt a three-game skid following a 59-85 road defeat at Central Methodist last Wednesday.

Baker won the season’s first meeting, 82-77, at MidAmerica Nazarene on Nov. 25. The Wildcats will aim for a regular-season sweep on their home floor.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top performers. MidAmerica Nazarene guard Malachi Bryant is averaging 15.0 points and 4.3 assists per game over his last five contests. He scored 19 points with six assists in Monday’s loss. Baker will counter with forward Cam Jones, who has posted three double-doubles this season and is averaging 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds over his last five games.

Both teams have struggled in close games recently. The Pioneers have lost three of their last five, with two defeats by three points or fewer. The Wildcats’ skid includes a 91-92 overtime heartbreaker to Graceland on Jan. 17.

MidAmerica Nazarene’s recent results show offensive inconsistency, scoring between 62 and 75 points in its last five outings. Baker’s defense, which allowed 85 or more points in two of its last three losses, will be tested to contain Bryant and the Pioneer attack.

The game is critical for positioning in the Heart of America Athletic Conference standings as the regular season enters its final month. Following this contest, Baker travels to Grand View on Saturday, while MidAmerica Nazarene hosts Park on Feb. 4.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST Wednesday in Baldwin City.