LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A pivotal Conference USA men’s basketball clash with potential regular-season title implications is set for Saturday when the Liberty Flames host the Sam Houston Bearkats at the Vines Center.

Liberty (24-5, 14-2 CUSA) enters the weekend atop the conference standings, having won 10 of its last 12 games. The Flames are coming off a hard-fought 81-78 road victory at Jacksonville State last Saturday, led by 24 points from guard Kaden Metheny. The senior has been a steadying force, averaging 11.9 points and 3.6 assists per game, though his scoring has fluctuated recently from 24 points against Jacksonville State to six points in each of the previous two contests.

They will face a surging Sam Houston squad (21-8, 12-4) that has won seven of its last eight, including an 86-81 home win over Missouri State last time out. The Bearkats’ offense is powered by dynamic guard Jacob Walker, who is averaging 19.4 points over his last seven games. He poured in 23 points in the win over Missouri State and has scored 20 or more points in three of his last five outings.

The matchup is a rematch of a Jan. 10 meeting in Huntsville, Texas, where Liberty secured an 82-74 victory. In that game, the Flames contained Walker to 14 points, while Metheny contributed 8 points and 5 assists for Liberty.

Sam Houston’s recent offensive explosion, which includes a 100-point performance against Florida International, will be tested by a Liberty defense that allows just 68.2 points per game, ranking among the nation’s best. The Bearkats will need to find answers on the road, where they are 7-5 this season, against a Flames team that is 13-1 on its home court.

With only a handful of games remaining before the conference tournament, Saturday’s result could solidify Liberty’s hold on first place or tighten the race significantly should Sam Houston pull off the road upset. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern.