Southwestern will try to halt a three-game skid when it hosts Hesston College in a nonconference matchup, as the Moundbuilders search for consistency after a challenging start to the 2025–26 season. Southwestern enters at 3–4, while the Larks come in at 4–7 but boasting one of the region's top perimeter scorers.

Southwestern averages 60.6 points per game, shooting 38.1% from the field and 28.0% from three, but the Builders have struggled to generate offense during their losing stretch, scoring just 51, 45, and 66 points in their last three contests. Their defense has also been tested, allowing opponents 67.6 points per game and giving up a rebound margin of –3.6 on the season.

Senior guard Macey Pond continues to pace Southwestern offensively. Pond leads the team with 113 points (16.1 ppg) on 40.6% shooting and is the Builders' most reliable free-throw shooter at 77.8%. Junior guard Kennedy Ford adds 9.4 points per game, while freshman forward Aubrey Pond has provided efficient interior scoring at 46.3% from the field.

Hesston arrives with a balanced roster and a dangerous perimeter shooter in Brooke Bettis, who averages a team-best 10.1 points per game while hitting 41.9% from three-point range (26 made threes). Guard Sarah Beltran adds 8.7 points per game, and forward Mariah Hall is the Larks' top rebounder at 6.0 boards per game. As a team, Hesston puts up 62.2 points per game but shoots just 34.8% from the floor and 29.2% from deep. Rebounding has been a bright spot, however—the Larks average 40.6 rebounds per game, significantly higher than Southwestern's 32.9.

Southwestern's key will be limiting Hesston's second-chance opportunities. The Builders surrender 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, a matchup concern against a Larks team with three players grabbing at least 4.9 rebounds per contest. Hesston also forces 20.4 turnovers per game, which could challenge a Southwestern squad averaging 15.7 turnovers.

The contest offers Southwestern an opportunity to reestablish its defensive identity and regain momentum before diving back into conference play.