ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's basketball team is set to host the No. 13 Illinois Wesleyan Titans on Saturday in the Carver Center.

The Vikings sit at 10-14 on the season and 5-10 in conference play. The team is returning to action after a road loss to North Central, 83-76. Augie matched North Central early, settling in behind strong rebounding and defensive effort. Jake Willems got Augustana on the board from beyond the arc as the teams traded possessions through the opening minutes.

North Central used a mid-half run to take the lead, but Augustana fought back. Later in the half, Cam Atkinson knocked down back-to-back jumpers, and Willems connected from deep to keep Augustana close. The Vikings continued to respond late in the half, with Andre Klaver scoring on consecutive possessions and Eli Aldana converting at the line. Klaver then buried a three-pointer in the final seconds, bringing the Vikings within 34-32 at halftime.

North Central extended its lead early in the second half, but Augustana kept competing on both ends. The Vikings made a final push in the closing minutes. Dom Rhoden came up with a steal that led to a basket, and Willems followed with a strong finish at the rim. A late basket nudged the Vikings closer, but North Central converted at the free-throw line in the final seconds to lock up the win.

Rhoden led the team with 17 points and three steals, while Willems recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Klaver added 13 points and four assists, while Marieon Anderson finished with eight points. Ray Maurchie contributed six rebounds and two blocks. 

The Titans are 20-4 on the season and 12-3 in conference play. The team is currently on a five-game winning streak and returns to play after a 76-71 victory over North Park on Wednesday to clinch the No. 1 seed in the CCIW tournament. Illinois Wesleyan held the advantage in the first half with its opponent on their trail until the final five minutes when the Titans soared to take the lead 42-26. Illinois Wesleyan maintained the upper hand with North Park getting within four late in the game, but key free throws sealed the victory. Mason Funk led the team with 33 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. Karlo Colak posted 13 points, seven boards, and four assists. 

Illinois Wesleyan holds a 103-80 all-time series record over the Vikings, with their last meeting resulting in an 88-79 loss in Bloomington. This time a season ago, Augie upset the Titans in the Carver Center with an 85-76 victory. 

Tip-off is scheduled for after the senior day recognition set at 4 p.m.