EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — Two teams riding winning streaks will meet in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Sunday when North Dakota State faces UC Irvine at the Don Haskins Center. The Bison (10-3) have won six straight games, including a 101-67 rout of Minn.-Crookston on Monday. They are led by guard Markhi Strickland, who is averaging 15.4 points over his last five contests. He scored 19 points in just 13 minutes off the bench in the most recent win. UC Irvine (7-4) has won four consecutive games, last defeating Cal State Northridge 85-71 on Dec. 6. The Anteaters are anchored by forward Kyle Evans, a defensive force who has recorded 19 blocks during the four-game streak, including eight in a narrow overtime loss to Northern Iowa on Nov. 22. North Dakota State’s surge has featured tight road victories, including a 99-94 win at Drake and a 69-68 home win over Northern Arizona. UC Irvine’s streak followed a 2-4 start, with the team finding its footing behind improved defense. This neutral-site game in El Paso serves as a final nonconference test for both programs before league play resumes. North Dakota State begins Summit League action on Dec. 31, while UC Irvine opens Big West play on Jan. 1. The matchup pits North Dakota State’s high-scoring offense, which has surpassed 80 points in seven games, against a UC Irvine defense that has held its last four opponents to 71 points or fewer. The Bison will look to extend their streak behind Strickland’s efficient scoring, while the Anteaters will rely on Evans’ rim protection to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm. Tipoff is set for Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.