Oakwood University men's basketball coach Simon Jacob is trying to look at the bright side of things.

The Ambassadors are currently mired in a nine-game losing streak, but there are opportunities to turn things around. That starts today when Oakwood (2-16, 0-7) takes on Philander Smith College 15-3, 5-2) in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Round Up at Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Kinzell Lawson Gymnasium in the W.A. McMillan Center.

Today's game begins a stretch of eight games in 13 days for the Ambassadors.

"We haven't thrown in the towel yet," Jacob said sarcastically. "Our guys are still working hard and playing hard. We just need to win a game to build some confidence."

That could be hard to do over the next couple of days.

PSC, currently second in the league behind Tougaloo College, downed Oakwood 77-64 back on Jan. 23 at Ashby Auditorium.

On Saturday, Oakwood visits host school Rust College (7-12, 4-3) at 7 p.m. The Bearkats, who have four players averaging in double figures led by forward Davonte Craven's 18.2 points per game, whipped the Ambassadors 88-57 back on Jan. 15 in New Orleans, La.

Oakwood closes out the Round Up Sunday against SUNO (2-15, 0-7). Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.

It will be the first meeting between the two teams.

Oakwood is led by freshman Judelin Prophete. The 6-foot-5 freshman from Miami, Fla., is averaging 13.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.