CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Sunday's matchup between the Gateway Steam and the Champaign Swarm involves two teams whose seasons have gone in very different directions.

At 6-2, the Swarm are on the heels of first place.  At 1-7 with a six-game losing streak, the Gateway Steam are still trying to find their way into the playoff picture.

The squads tip off at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Parkland College in Champaign.

See game notes here.

The Swarm may be stinging a bit from an emotional 96-91 loss on Thursday night in Bloomington. Tempers from both sides flared at times in the battle for first place. Bloomington has been the only team this season to beat Champaign.

Arnold Louis continues to lead the offensive efforts of the Swarm, averaging 22.5 points per game. But new point guard Avery Smith made his first start of the season in Bloomington and scored 30 points, helping the Swarm nearly overcome the Flex after being down 21 points.

Though they have only win, Gateway may be a play or two away from at least two more victories. Two of their losses have been decided by two points or less.

The recent addition of Lee Fisher has helped; the former Northern Illinois player has a 17.3 scoring average in three games along with 7.7 rebounds. Darion Anderson has provided consistent leadership, averaging 14.8 points per game and shooting above 35 percent from three-point range.

The Swarm previously hosted Gateway on  Jan. 15 and rolled to a 124-96 win. They used 14 steals to generate offense, and Rashard McGill and Chris Babbitt each had 20 points to lead their respective team.

Tickets are $8 general admission at the door. Students, kids and seniors are $5. VIP seating is $12.