CULLOWHEE, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging East Tennessee State team will look to extend its winning streak when it visits struggling Western Carolina in a Southern Conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at Ramsey Center.

The Buccaneers (12-5, 3-0 SoCon) have won four straight games, including a dominant 86-60 home victory over UNC Greensboro on Saturday. Western Carolina (5-10, 1-3) is trending in the opposite direction, having lost three of its last four, most recently a 79-77 overtime heartbreaker at The Citadel.

East Tennessee State’s success has been fueled by efficient offense and the standout play of guard Blake Barkley. Over the last four games, all wins, Barkley has averaged 20 points. He scored 24 in just 28 minutes against UNC Greensboro. Brian Taylor and Cam Morris have provided consistent secondary scoring.

The Catamounts will counter with guard Marcus Kell, who is coming off a 24-point performance in the loss to The Citadel. Kell’s scoring has been volatile, however, with outputs of 10, 16 and 8 points in his three prior games. Cord Stansberry, who had 23 points against The Citadel, offers another offensive option.

The Buccaneers have excelled in conference play, winning their games by an average of 17.3 points. Western Carolina’s sole SoCon win was an 80-77 overtime road victory at Furman on Jan. 3. Defense has been a persistent issue for the Catamounts, who have allowed 79 or more points in eight of their 10 losses this season.

This game begins a key stretch for both teams. East Tennessee State visits Samford on Saturday, while Western Carolina hosts Chattanooga the same day. The teams will meet again in Johnson City just 15 days later on Jan. 29.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern.