When the Missouri Southern Lions travel Saturday to Topeka, they will be looking to snap a seven-game losing streak that was extended with losses to Southwest Baptist University and Emporia State University.

The Lions fell to the Bearcats, 28-6, on Nov. 1. The Lions jumped out to an early 6-0 lead on a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kokain Mothershed.

Two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown by Bearcats’ quarterback Robert Clardy would give SBU the win.

Against the ESU Hornets, the Lions again jumped out to an early lead on a 77-yard interception return by junior cornerback Robert Spinks.

“It’s a little bit of luck and a little bit of skill,” Spinks said.

The Lions would go into the locker room down by two touchdowns and would hold the Hornets scoreless in the fourth quarter, but fell 31-7.

In the game, the Lions held the MIAA’s leading rusher, senior running back Tyler Paul, to 113 yards rushing on 33 carries for a 3.4 yard per carry average.

“I felt like our defense played extremely well,” said Rob Green, Lions assistant head coach. “I am very proud of the way that our defense played, and if they continue to play like that, then we will have a chance to

get a win against Washburn.”

“I think that our defense is really coming along,” said Mark Smith, defensive coordinator. “The bad thing is that it is getting late in the year.”

Defensively, the Ichabods remind the Lions of another foe that they faced this season.

“Washburn is kind of like Pitt State,” Green said. “They run a lot of the exact same defenses as Pitt State”

The Lions are hoping Saturday’s game will be a statement game for them, and that it will give them something that they can carry over into next season.

“This is our seniors last week,” Spinks said. “And I just want to get a win for them, and I think that a win would get things going for those who aren’t seniors.”

“A win would be big for us going into the off season,” said DeMarcus Mathes, junior wide receiver.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday in Topeka.