GREENVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when East Carolina hosts UNC Greensboro at Williams Arena. The Pirates (3-5) snapped a five-game skid with a 68-56 home win over Maryland-Eastern Shore on Tuesday. The Spartans (1-8), meanwhile, are looking to end a four-game losing streak following a 77-82 road loss at UNC Asheville on Tuesday. East Carolina will rely on guard Jordan Riley, who has been a consistent offensive force. He is averaging 18.8 points per game and is coming off a 37-minute performance against UMES where he scored 18 points and dished five assists. His season high was a 28-point outing in a loss to Saint Bonaventure on Nov. 27. UNC Greensboro’s primary threat is guard Donald Whitehead, who leads the team in scoring. He poured in 21 points in a season-opening loss at North Carolina State and has scored in double figures in six of the last seven games, including 13 points and five assists in the recent loss to UNC Asheville. The Spartans’ lone win came at home against Youngstown State, 68-62, on Nov. 23. Their schedule has been challenging, featuring road games at power conference opponents Kansas State and N.C. State. Defense has been a persistent issue, as they have allowed 90 or more points in three of their eight losses. East Carolina’s victories have all come at home, against Georgia Southern, Elizabeth City State, and Maryland-Eastern Shore. Their losses include defeats to Michigan State and a struggling UNC Wilmington squad. This intrastate nonconference matchup presents a critical opportunity for both programs. For the Pirates, it’s a chance to build a winning streak before a tough stretch that includes a Dec. 22 visit to North Carolina. For the Spartans, it represents one of their final chances to gain traction before opening Southern Conference play on Jan. 1. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Greenville.