MOBILE, Ala. (Interstat) — A pivotal Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball matchup is set for Thursday night when the surging Coastal Carolina Chanticleers visit the South Alabama Jaguars at the Mitchell Center.

Coastal Carolina (13-9, 6-3 Sun Belt) enters on a five-game winning streak, its latest an 85-67 home victory over Southern Mississippi on Saturday. The Chanticleers’ resurgence has been fueled by guard RaSheed Jones, who is averaging 18.1 points over his last eight games. He scored 24 points with six rebounds, five assists and two blocks in the win over Southern Miss.

South Alabama (14-6, 5-2) looks to protect its home court and solidify its position near the top of the league standings. The Jaguars are coming off a 90-83 road win at James Madison last Thursday, led by a 26-point performance from guard Adam Olsen. Olsen has been a consistent scorer, topping 20 points in three of his last six contests.

The Jaguars hold a slim edge in the overall season record, but the Chanticleers bring the hotter recent form into the contest. Coastal Carolina’s streak includes three road wins, showcasing improved resilience away from home.

Defense will be a key factor. South Alabama’s conference losses came in low-scoring affairs against Louisiana-Lafayette (59-56) and Troy (59-49), while Coastal Carolina has found success in tighter games, winning its last three by a combined 11 points.

The game tips off at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Following this contest, Coastal Carolina travels to Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday, while South Alabama hosts Georgia State the same day.