NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Lipscomb Bisons, riding a surge in ASUN Conference play, will host the struggling North Alabama Lions on Saturday at Allen Arena. Lipscomb (17-11) enters the matchup after a narrow 75-72 road victory at Bellarmine on Wednesday. The Bisons have won four of their last six games as they push for a favorable seeding in the upcoming conference tournament. A key contributor has been forward Ross Candelino, who scored 17 points in the win over Bellarmine and is averaging 11.9 points over his last eight contests. North Alabama (8-18) looks to halt a skid that has seen it lose five of its last six, including a 78-85 home loss to Queens (N.C.) on Wednesday. The Lions’ offense has been inconsistent, but they are led by guard Kevin de Kovachich, who is coming off a 23-point performance. Over his last three games, de Kovachich is averaging 20.3 points. The teams have followed divergent paths this season. Lipscomb boasts a strong 11-3 record at home, while North Alabama has managed just two road wins. The Lions’ last victory came in an 84-78 overtime thriller against Eastern Kentucky on Feb. 15, a game in which de Kovachich played 41 minutes and tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. For the Bisons, balance has been crucial. In their recent win, Charlie Williams added 12 points and seven assists, and Mateo Esmeraldo dished out seven assists. They will aim to exploit a North Alabama defense that has allowed an average of 80.1 points per game during its recent 1-5 stretch. Saturday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this regular season. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. EST. Up Next: North Alabama: Hosts Bellarmine on Wednesday. Lipscomb: Visits West Georgia on Wednesday.