SAN MARCOS, Texas (Interstat) — A quick rematch with potential Sun Belt Conference implications is set for Saturday when Texas State hosts Southern Mississippi in men’s basketball.

The Bobcats (10-9) will seek to avenge an 80-70 overtime loss to the Golden Eagles (11-8) just nine days prior in Hattiesburg. That Jan. 8 defeat is part of a recent uneven stretch for Texas State, which has alternated wins and losses over its past five games. The Bobcats are coming off a gritty 59-54 home win over Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday, where guard Kaden Gumbs logged 40 minutes and scored a team-high 18 points.

Gumbs will be a key figure in the rematch. In the first meeting, he finished with 15 points and two assists. His backcourt play against Southern Mississippi’s pressure will be critical.

The Golden Eagles, however, arrive reeling from a 91-65 road loss at Troy on Wednesday. That performance followed a three-game winning streak, which included the victory over Texas State. Southern Mississippi’s consistency has been questioned, with the team showing the ability for both strong conference wins and lopsided defeats.

Southern Mississippi forward Djahi Binet presents a major challenge. He was instrumental in the first win over Texas State, playing 37 minutes with 12 points and two blocks. Binet is coming off a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double in a win over Louisiana-Monroe on Jan. 10 and has scored in double figures in five of his last seven games.

The matchup features two teams jockeying for position in the Sun Belt standings. Both sit near the middle of the conference pack and a win Saturday would provide momentum for the second half of the league schedule.

Texas State will rely on its home court advantage at Strahan Coliseum, where it is 7-3 this season. Southern Mississippi is 3-5 in true road games. The Golden Eagles’ ability to defend and rebound on the road will be tested against a Bobcats team eager for payback.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.