JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Liberty squad looks to rebound from a rare stumble when it visits a Jacksonville State team fueled by one of the nation’s hottest scorers in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Saturday.

The Flames (23-4, 12-2 CUSA), who saw a seven-game win streak snapped in a 94-73 home loss to Western Kentucky last Saturday, still sit atop the league standings. They face a Gamecocks team (13-14, 6-8) that has lost four straight but boasts the explosive scoring of guard Mostapha El Moutaouakkil.

El Moutaouakkil is coming off a 38-point performance in an 82-78 loss at Sam Houston, his fourth game of 26 or more points in the last six outings. Containing him will be a primary focus for a Liberty defense that ranks among the nation’s best in efficiency.

Liberty counters with its own backcourt leader in Colin Porter. The guard is averaging 14.3 points and 3.2 assists over his last six games, including a 23-point effort in a win at Delaware and a 20-point showing against Western Kentucky. His steady play will be key in stabilizing the Flames after their most lopsided defeat of the season.

The teams met earlier this season in Lynchburg, Va., with Liberty securing a 78-69 victory on Jan. 4. The Flames have dominated the conference slate with a blend of methodical offense and stifling defense.

Jacksonville State will need another monumental effort from El Moutaouakkil and improved support from his teammates to challenge the conference leaders. The Gamecocks have shown they can compete with top teams, evidenced by a road win at Western Kentucky earlier this month, but consistency has been an issue.

Saturday’s game tips off at 5 p.m. EST at Pete Mathews Coliseum. Liberty will look to solidify its standing for the conference tournament, while Jacksonville State aims to halt its skid and play spoiler in its final home game of the regular season.