NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — A pivotal NAIA men’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Saturday when the Dillard Bleu Devils host the Southern-New Orleans Knights at Dent Hall.

The crosstown rivals enter the Valentine’s Day clash with similar records. The visiting Knights are 12-12 overall, while the Bleu Devils sit at 11-9. Southern-New Orleans won the first meeting this season, 77-67, at home on Dec. 9.

The Knights are riding a three-game winning streak, most recently a 96-66 rout of the University of the Virgin Islands on Feb. 5. They are powered by forward Dorian Booker, who is coming off a dominant 19-point, 19-rebound performance in that victory. Over his last seven games, Booker is averaging 16.1 points and 8.4 rebounds, showcasing his consistency in the paint.

Dillard looks to rebound from a narrow 84-81 home loss to Virgin Islands on Monday. Despite the defeat, guard Devin Lewis continued his strong play, scoring 18 points. Lewis has been a key scorer for the Bleu Devils, averaging 17.1 points over his last seven contests, including a 20-point, 9-rebound effort in a win over Virgin Islands on Feb. 8.

The game features two teams with contrasting recent trajectories. Southern-New Orleans has found rhythm in February, while Dillard has split its last four games after a five-game winning streak in January. Controlling the interior will be critical; Booker’s rebounding prowess for the Knights will be tested by a Dillard frontcourt that includes contributors like Miles Williams, who had 13 points and eight rebounds in the last outing.

With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, securing a winning record and improving conference positioning is the immediate goal for both squads. Southern-New Orleans will aim for a regular-season sweep, while Dillard seeks to defend its home court and even the series.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Southern-New Orleans’ next game is at home against Morris College on Feb. 19.