NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Illinois State looks to continue its climb in the Missouri Valley Conference standings when it hosts a struggling Drake team at Redbird Arena on Saturday.

The Redbirds (12-9) have won four of their last five games, including a gritty 58-54 overtime victory against Bradley last Sunday. Their success has been fueled by the dominant play of forward Doneelah Washington, who is coming off a 40-minute, triple-double performance with 14 points, 14 rebounds and six assists against the Braves. Washington has been a force, averaging 21.2 points and 8.8 rebounds over her last six contests, highlighted by a 30-point, 9-rebound effort in a win at Indiana State on Jan. 25.

Conversely, the Bulldogs (6-16) enter on a four-game skid, most recently falling 67-52 to Belmont on Thursday. Guard Anna Becker has been a consistent bright spot for Drake, averaging 16.1 points over her last eight games. She scored 22 points in a loss to Northern Iowa on Feb. 1 and dropped 20 points in a road win at Valparaiso on Jan. 18. However, Drake’s defense has been a persistent issue, allowing an average of 78.5 points during its current losing streak.

The matchup pits Illinois State’s recent defensive strength — holding three of its last five opponents under 60 points — against a Drake offense that can be potent but inconsistent. The Bulldogs scored 97 points in a win over Evansville on Jan. 23 but were held to 52 in their last outing.

This game is the first of a regular-season series between the teams, which will meet again in Des Moines on March 5. Illinois State will look to protect its home court and solidify its position in the upper half of the Valley, while Drake seeks a desperately needed conference road win to halt its slide.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon at Redbird Arena.