BOONE, N.C. (Interstat) — Old Dominion will seek to avenge a recent loss and halt a difficult season when it visits Appalachian State in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Holmes Center.

The Mountaineers (11-8) defeated the Monarchs (5-13) 81-73 in Norfolk, Virginia, on Dec. 31. That game is part of a 1-5 stretch for Old Dominion, which is coming off a heartbreaking 70-69 loss at James Madison on Jan. 10. Appalachian State has won two of its last three, including an 80-65 home victory over James Madison on Thursday.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top guards. Old Dominion’s Ketron Shaw is averaging 17 points per game over his last six contests. He scored 18 in the loss to JMU and had 23 in a defeat to Georgia Southern on Jan. 3. For Appalachian State, Alonzo Dodd is coming off a 23-point performance against the Dukes and has been a consistent all-around force, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists over his last six games. Dodd posted 10 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the first meeting against ODU.

The Monarchs’ struggles are underscored by their record, though they showed resilience in a 70-66 road win at Coastal Carolina on Jan. 8. Protecting the ball and finding secondary scoring behind Shaw will be critical. Appalachian State has been strong at home, going 8-2 at Holmes Center this season, and will look to leverage its defensive pressure and Dodd’s playmaking to build momentum in conference play.

Saturday’s contest is the second of two regular-season meetings. Following this game, Old Dominion hosts Troy on Jan. 21, while Appalachian State prepares to host Louisiana-Lafayette on Jan. 22.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.