Preview: Crowley’s Ridge at UHSP Men’s Basketball

ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — The Crowley’s Ridge Pioneers look to solidify a winning season record Thursday night when they visit the struggling University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Eutectics in an NAIA men’s basketball matchup.

The Pioneers (10-11) enter the contest having lost three of their last four, including a 95-81 home loss to Columbia (Mo.) on Jan. 29. They will face a UHSP team (1-18) mired in an 11-game losing streak, with its last victory coming on Dec. 15.

Crowley’s Ridge won the previous meeting this season, 72-67 at home on Jan. 8. In that game, UHSP’s Landon Engelage scored 25 points, but the Pioneers’ balance prevailed.

A key player for the Pioneers is Caleb Wade, who is coming off a 15-point performance in 18 minutes against Columbia. Wade has shown scoring bursts, with 15-point games in two of his last five outings, though his production has been inconsistent.

For UHSP, all attention will be on standout guard Landon Engelage, who has been a prolific scorer despite the team’s record. Engelage is averaging 26 points over his last three games, including a 33-point, 13-rebound effort in a loss at Mission on Jan. 31. Containing him will be a primary focus for the Pioneers’ defense.

The game represents a critical opportunity for both teams. Crowley’s Ridge aims to get back above .500 and build momentum before a Feb. 12 road game at Central Baptist. UHSP desperately seeks to snap its lengthy skid and find a positive result before hosting Williams Baptist on Saturday.

Tip-off is set for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at UHSP Gymnasium.