Struggling NAIA Foes Meet as John Brown Visits Science & Arts

CHICKASHA, Okla. (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the John Brown Golden Eagles visit the Science & Arts Drovers in an NAIA contest.

The Golden Eagles (7-11) enter on a four-game skid following a 72-58 road loss at Mid-America Christian on Thursday. John Brown has lost eight of its last nine games.

The Drovers (4-13) snapped a six-game losing streak in emphatic fashion Thursday, routing College of the Ozarks 90-67 at home.

Science & Arts won the season’s first meeting, 77-70, at John Brown on Dec. 13.

A key matchup will feature each team’s top recent performer. John Brown will rely on forward Marko Malekinusic, who is coming off an 11-point, eight-rebound effort in 27 minutes against Mid-America Christian. Over his last five games, he is averaging 7.6 points and 5.2 rebounds.

For the Drovers, guard Mohand Ammad is playing at a high level. He recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds in Thursday’s win, his second double-double in three games. Ammad has scored at least 15 points in seven consecutive contests, averaging 19.3 points per game during that stretch.

John Brown’s offense has struggled during its slump, failing to reach 70 points in five of its last six losses. The Golden Eagles will need more production beyond Malekinusic and Maliq Sosa, who scored 13 points off the bench last game.

Science & Arts showcased a potent offense in its latest victory, with Elijah Burney adding 15 points and six assists and Bryce Cowns scoring 16 points. The Drovers will aim to carry that efficiency into Saturday’s matchup.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Drover Fieldhouse.