LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A surging Liberty looks to continue its strong start to Conference USA play when it hosts a Jacksonville State team seeking consistency Sunday at the Vines Center.

The Flames (9-3) enter the contest having won seven of their last eight games, including a 97-94 overtime road victory at Florida International on Dec. 28 to open their conference schedule. Liberty’s offense has been potent, averaging 86.3 points in its last three outings.

Guard Kaden Metheny has been instrumental, coming off a 41-minute, 25-point, six-assist performance against FIU. Over his last five games, he is averaging 14.2 points and 4.4 assists.

Jacksonville State (6-6) evened its record with a 78-67 home win over Western Kentucky in its CUSA opener on Monday. The Gamecocks’ season has been marked by streaks, alternating between two-game winning and two-game losing stretches since late November.

The visitor’s fortunes often hinge on the production of guard AC Bryant. He exploded for 29 points in a road win at East Tennessee State on Dec. 20 and 23 points against Western Kentucky, but was held to single digits in two recent losses. Containing him will be a key focus for Liberty’s defense.

Liberty holds a clear advantage in recent performance and on its home floor, where it is 5-1 this season. The Flames’ balanced attack, which saw Brett Decker score 27 and Colin Porter add 16 points and seven assists alongside Metheny last game, presents a multifaceted challenge.

Jacksonville State, which has yet to win a true road game this season (0-3), will need more scoring support behind Bryant. JaCoby Hill (14 points vs. WKU) and Emondrek Erkins-Ford, who added 11 points and three blocks, provided that in their last win.

Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon in a matchup that will see Liberty attempt to solidify its position atop the early conference standings while Jacksonville State aims to secure a crucial road upset and build its first winning streak since mid-November.