PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Two city rivals seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Drexel Dragons face the La Salle Explorers in a nonconference men’s basketball game at The Palestra. Drexel (4-5) enters having dropped a heartbreaker, 75-73 at American on Wednesday. The Dragons have alternated wins and losses over their last six games. La Salle (3-6) looks to halt a five-game skid, its most recent a 66-60 home loss to Merrimack on Nov. 30. The matchup features a pair of players coming off standout performances. Drexel guard Shane Blakeney is averaging 16.4 points over his last five games, including a 22-point effort in the loss to American. For La Salle, forward Josiah Harris recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds against Merrimack, providing a bright spot during the team’s difficult stretch. Both teams have struggled defensively. Drexel has allowed 80 or more points in three of its five losses, while La Salle has conceded an average of 75.2 points during its five-game losing streak. Ball security will be critical; Drexel committed 14 turnovers in its narrow midweek defeat. The Palestra, a historic neutral site, adds a classic Philadelphia backdrop to this local rivalry. Drexel holds a slight edge in recent performance, having won two of its last three, while La Salle’s last victory was a 75-46 rout of Lancaster Bible on Nov. 22. Following this contest, Drexel begins a three-game homestand on Dec. 16 against Howard. La Salle hits the road for three straight, beginning Dec. 13 at Long Island. Saturday’s tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.