LEXINGTON, Va. (Interstat) — A surging East Tennessee State squad looks to continue its Southern Conference ascent Saturday when it visits struggling Virginia Military Institute at Cameron Hall.

The Buccaneers (17-7) have won seven of their last nine games, including a 75-71 overtime victory over Furman on Wednesday. They sit near the top of the conference standings. The Keydets (6-18), meanwhile, are mired in a nine-game losing streak, last winning on Jan. 3.

East Tennessee State won the season’s first meeting handily, 81-67, in Johnson City on Jan. 7.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top scorers. ETSU is led by guard Blake Barkley, who is coming off a 42-minute, 15-point effort in the overtime win against Furman. Over his last eight games, Barkley has averaged 16.1 points, including a 26-point outing in a road win at Samford.

VMI’s hopes likely rest with guard TJ Johnson, who has been a bright spot during the skid. He is averaging 18.1 points over the same eight-game span and scored 25 in the loss to Wofford on Wednesday. Johnson poured in 26 points in a road loss at Mercer last weekend.

The Buccaneers have shown resilience in close games, winning three of their last five contests by three points or fewer. Their offense has been potent, scoring 80 or more points in five of their last ten outings.

VMI has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 80.6 points per game during its nine-game losing streak. The Keydets have lost those games by an average margin of 15.2 points.

For ETSU, the game represents a chance to solidify its position before a key homestand next week against Chattanooga and Samford. For VMI, it is an opportunity to halt a lengthy slide before hitting the road for two games next week.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Cameron Hall.