Preview: Arkansas-Little Rock at Western Illinois MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — Two Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball teams seeking to halt lengthy slides will meet Thursday when Arkansas-Little Rock visits Western Illinois at Western Hall. The Trojans (9-16) have lost five straight games since their last victory, which came against these same Leathernecks on Jan. 17, an 86-79 home win. Western Illinois (4-21) has dropped nine consecutive contests, with its last win dating to Jan. 3. Despite their struggles, both teams feature high-volume scorers who will be central to any turnaround. Arkansas-Little Rock is led by guard Johnathan Lawson, who averaged 17.1 points over his last eight games. He scored 20 points in the first meeting with Western Illinois. The senior has logged heavy minutes, playing 37 or more in seven of those outings. Western Illinois will counter with guard Lucas Lorenzen, who is coming off a 24-point, six-rebound performance in a loss to Tennessee State on Feb. 7. Lorenzen also scored 20 points in the January loss at Little Rock. His production has been volatile, however, with three single-digit scoring games mixed among his recent outbursts. The first matchup saw the Trojans overcome a 10-point halftime deficit by shooting 60% from the field in the second half. Containing Lawson and finding consistent offense beyond Lorenzen will be critical for the Leathernecks, who rank near the bottom of Division I in several offensive categories. Arkansas-Little Rock’s current skid includes four losses by six points or fewer, indicating an inability to close tight games. Western Illinois has faced wider margins, losing its last three games by an average of 28 points. The game represents one of the more winnable remaining opportunities for both squads in conference play. For the Leathernecks, it is a chance for revenge and to snap a demoralizing streak on their home floor. For the Trojans, it is an opportunity to steady themselves by defeating the only OVC team they have beaten since mid-January. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Thursday.