PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — A surging Saint John’s squad looks to continue its climb in the Big East standings when it visits a struggling Providence team on Saturday at Dunkin’ Center. The Red Storm (19-5) enter on a nine-game winning streak, their latest an 87-82 overtime victory over Xavier on Monday. Providence (11-14), meanwhile, has lost four of its last five, including an 87-80 defeat at Seton Hall on Wednesday. The matchup is a stark contrast in season trajectories. Saint John’s, led by standout guard Zuby Ejiofor, has solidified itself as a conference contender. Ejiofor is averaging 20.1 points over his last seven games, including a 25-point, 5-assist effort in the overtime win against Xavier. Providence will counter with high-scoring guard Jaylin Sellers, who has topped 20 points in four of his last five outings. He poured in a career-high 36 points in a double-overtime win over Butler on Feb. 4, but the Friars have struggled to find consistent support around him. Defense has keyed the Red Storm’s streak, holding opponents to an average of 66.2 points during the run. Providence averages 84.2 points per game but allows 85.7, a vulnerability Saint John’s will look to exploit. The Friars won the season’s first meeting, 77-71, in New York on Jan. 3, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series. Sellers scored 23 points in that victory, while Ejiofor was held to 11. Saturday’s game represents a critical opportunity for Saint John’s to avenge that loss and strengthen its postseason resume. For Providence, it is a chance to salvage a difficult season with a signature win against a ranked rival on its home floor. Tip-off is scheduled for noon EST. The game will be televised nationally on FOX.