LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A surging Liberty looks to continue its dominance in Conference USA when it hosts a struggling UTEP team on Saturday at the Vines Center.

The Flames (14-3) enter the contest riding a seven-game winning streak, including a 73-71 victory over New Mexico State on Thursday. They sit near the top of the conference standings with a potent offense and a defense that has held opponents to an average of 66.2 points during the streak.

Liberty is led by guard JJ Harper, who is averaging 15.3 points over his last three games. He scored 17 points in the win over New Mexico State, supported by double-figure performances from Zach Cleveland (11 points, 7 assists) and Brett Decker (17 points).

UTEP (6-11) snapped a three-game skid with a dramatic 70-69 road win at Delaware on Thursday, powered by 20 points from Kaseem Watson and 16 points from Jamal West. The Miners have struggled with consistency, particularly away from home, where they are 2-7 this season.

West, a key player for UTEP, has been a bright spot, scoring in double figures in seven of his last eight games. He logged 16 points, three assists and two blocks in the win at Delaware.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in season trajectories. Liberty’s only losses have come against high-major opponents North Carolina State and Bradley, along with a conference road loss to Dayton. UTEP has yet to find a sustained rhythm, with its win over Delaware marking just its second victory since early December.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They are slated to play again in El Paso on Feb. 14.

Saturday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. Eastern as part of a full slate of Conference USA action. Liberty will look to protect its home court, where it is 8-1 this season, while UTEP aims to build momentum from its last-second victory and secure a rare conference road win.

After this game, Liberty travels to face Western Kentucky on Wednesday, while UTEP returns home to host Florida International on Jan. 22.