OAKWOOD, Ala. (Interstat) — The Oakwood Ambassadors, riding a two-game winning streak, will look to continue their momentum on the road against the Dillard Bleu Devils in an NAIA men’s basketball matchup Saturday.

The game, scheduled for Feb. 7, 2026, in New Orleans, pits teams with contrasting recent trajectories. Oakwood (8-11) arrives after an 85-75 victory at Virgin Islands on Friday, powered by a standout performance from Jason Griffin. The guard scored 24 points and grabbed six rebounds in 31 minutes. Griffin is averaging 16.3 points over his last three contests, including a 24-point outing in the win at Tougaloo on Feb. 5.

Dillard (9-8), however, looks to rebound from a narrow 74-71 home loss to Xavier (La.) on Monday. Forward Ben Fort has been a consistent contributor for the Bleu Devils, posting 13 points and seven rebounds in that defeat. Over his last six games, Fort is averaging 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds, including a 20-point, eight-rebound effort in a Jan. 15 overtime loss at Paul Quinn.

The Ambassadors’ recent surge follows a five-game skid in January. Their offense has found a rhythm, scoring 80 or more points in three of their last five outings. Alongside Griffin, Chase Jackson (16 points Friday) and Joshua Barnett (20 points Friday) provide additional scoring threats.

Dillard’s season has been marked by streaks, alternating wins and losses over their past six games. Their defense, which allowed 92.3 points per game in three losses this January, will be tested by Oakwood’s uptick in offensive production. The Bleu Devils have shown potency at home, averaging 82.3 points in their last three games in New Orleans.

Historically, this is the first scheduled meeting between the programs in recent seasons. Oakwood’s upcoming schedule includes a quick turnaround with a home game against Dalton State on Tuesday. Dillard hosts Virgin Islands in a two-game series beginning Sunday.

Saturday’s contest could hinge on the interior battle between Oakwood’s Griffin and Dillard’s Fort, as both players look to lead their teams into the final stretch of the season.