The Lincoln Blue Tigers look to snap a four-game losing streak this afternoon when they host the Washburn Ichabods.
The men's game will start at 3 p.m. at Jason Gym.
With just three games remaining in the regular season, it's an important contest for the Blue Tigers (16-9 overall, 9-7 in the MIAA).
Lincoln was eighth in the NCAA Division II Central Region rankings released earlier this week, the final qualifying spot for the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Tigers are fifth in the MIAA standings, and with a win today, would take a big step in clinching a spot in the upcoming 10-team MIAA Tournament. That tournament is scheduled for March 6-10 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
Washburn (20-5, 13-3), ranked second in the Central Region, has already clinched a berth in the MIAA Tournament.
The Blue Tigers defeated the Ichabods 75-73 on Jan. 31 in Topeka, Kan. Lincoln led 36-29 at the half and held off a late Washburn rally to get the victory.
Amariontez Ivory finished with 21 points to lead three Blue Tigers in scoring in that game. Terrance Smith added 18, while Ni'Sean Rigmaiden chipped in with 14.
Javion Blake had a game-high 26 points for the Ichabods.
The women's game will start today's action at 1 p.m.
Lincoln (10-15, 2-14) has a three-game losing streak, while Washburn (17-8, 12-4) is coming off an 83-65 loss Thursday at Lindenwood.
Washburn used a big second quarter to defeat Lincoln 79-73 on Jan. 31. The Blue Tigers led 18-13 after one quarter before the Ichabods outscored the Blue Tigers 28-12 in the second to take a 41-30 advantage into halftime.
Lincoln rallied to cut the deficit to 67-66 with a little more than two minutes remaining before Washburn hit 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions on their way to the six-point win.
Bre Coleman and Zhanesha Dickerson were a strong 1-2 punch in the game for the Blue Tigers. Coleman scored a game-high 28 points, while Dickerson totaled 27.
Reagan Phelan led four Washburn players in double figures with 20 points.
The Washburn women have won all 28 previous meetings with Lincoln, dating back to the 1980.