LAKE WALES, Fla. (Interstat) — A clash of teams at opposite ends of the NAIA men’s basketball standings is set for Monday when the surging Ave Maria Gyrenes visit the struggling Warner Royals.

The Gyrenes (23-3), ranked among the nation’s elite, enter the contest having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their only loss in that stretch came in a high-scoring 91-84 defeat to Keiser on Saturday. Ave Maria boasts a potent offense, having scored 90 or more points in eight of its last ten outings.

Warner (4-18) seeks to halt a five-game losing streak. The Royals have shown fight in close losses, including a 74-69 defeat to Southeastern on Saturday, but have struggled for consistency all season.

Ave Maria forward Alex Sherwood is a player to watch. The standout is averaging a near double-double in recent games, coming off a 20-point, 8-rebound performance against Keiser. His versatility on both ends of the floor will be a central challenge for the Royals.

Warner will counter with guard Seth Childers, a steadying force who leads his team in minutes and playmaking. Childers is averaging 12.2 points and 5.8 assists over his last six contests, including a 16-point, 6-rebound, 5-assist effort at St. Thomas last week.

The teams met just over a month ago on Jan. 7, with Ave Maria securing a 92-81 home victory. The Gyrenes will look to replicate that result on the road as they continue their pursuit of a high national tournament seed.

For Warner, the game represents a prime opportunity to play spoiler and gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Turner Athletic Center.