HATTIESBURG, Miss. (Interstat) — A pair of Sun Belt teams heading in opposite directions will meet Thursday when the Appalachian State Mountaineers visit the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Reed Green Coliseum.

Appalachian State (13-9) arrives having won three of its last four, including a 59-43 defensive rout of Louisiana-Monroe last Friday. The Mountaineers have found success recently behind a stout defense and the versatile play of forward Luke Wilson. Over his last eight games, Wilson has averaged 12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per contest, showcasing an ability to impact the game on both ends. In the win over ULM, he posted 14 points and five blocks.

In contrast, Southern Miss (11-11) looks to halt a four-game skid, most recently an 85-67 loss at Coastal Carolina last Saturday. The Golden Eagles have struggled on the road during this stretch but return home, where they are 3-1 in conference play. Guard Israel Hart will be key to a turnaround; he led the team with 18 points in the loss to Coastal Carolina but was held to just one point in the prior game.

The matchup pits Appalachian State’s momentum against a Southern Miss squad desperate to defend its home court and correct its course. The Mountaineers have shown resilience in close games, with a 2-2 record in contests decided by five points or fewer, while the Golden Eagles are 1-3 in such games.

Following this contest, Appalachian State travels to face Troy on Saturday. Southern Miss remains at home to host James Madison that same day.

Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST Thursday.