(Interstat) — Preview: UHSP Seeks Elusive Win at Mission in NAIA Clash

A struggling UHSP men’s basketball team aims to snap a lengthy skid when it visits the Mission Patriots in an NAIA contest Saturday.

The game, scheduled for Jan. 31, 2026, pits two teams looking to reverse recent fortunes. The visiting UHSP squad brings a 1-17 overall record into the matchup, having lost 10 consecutive games. Its last victory came on Dec. 11, 2025. Mission, the home team, holds a 7-12 record but has dropped its last four contests.

The Patriots won the season’s first meeting in dramatic fashion, edging UHSP 96-95 on Dec. 15, 2025.

A key player for UHSP will be forward Brennen Walker, who is coming off a strong double-double performance in a 77-68 loss to Central Baptist on Jan. 29. In that game, he logged 37 minutes, scoring 13 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Walker has been a consistent presence, posting 25 points and 13 rebounds against Harris-Stowe on Jan. 22. Guard Landon Engelage, who erupted for 29 points in the last outing, provides additional scoring punch.

Mission will counter with guard Jordyn Turner, who led his team with 18 points in a 99-74 loss to Crowley’s Ridge on Jan. 23. Turner was instrumental in the Patriots’ two most recent wins, contributing 8 points and 7 rebounds against Harris-Stowe on Jan. 8 and 7 points against Central Baptist on Jan. 6.

Both teams have faced challenging schedules, with common opponents including Central Baptist, Harris-Stowe, and Crowley’s Ridge. UHSP’s defense, which has allowed an average of 99.2 points during its current losing streak, will be tested by a Mission offense that averages 84.2 points per game this season.

Following this game, UHSP will host Crowley’s Ridge on Feb. 5. Mission’s next contest is on the road at Central Baptist on Feb. 3.

Tip-off is set for Saturday at Mission’s home court.