CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Interstat) — Southland Conference rivals Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M-Commerce meet Monday night at American Bank Center, with the Islanders looking to complete a season sweep and solidify their position ahead of the league tournament.

The Islanders (16-14, 8-7 Southland) enter on a two-game winning streak after a 71-59 victory over Northwestern State on Saturday. They have won four of their last six. The Lions (11-20, 5-10), meanwhile, have lost three straight and eight of their last ten, including a 63-55 defeat at Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Saturday.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, installed as a 7.5-point favorite, won the first meeting this season, 61-50, in Commerce on Jan. 12. The Islanders’ defense has been a key factor in their recent success, holding opponents under 70 points in three of their last four wins.

A player to watch for the home team is guard Sheldon Williams. He is coming off a 14-point performance against Northwestern State and has scored in double figures in five of his last eight games, including a 20-point outing at New Orleans on Feb. 9.

Commerce will lean on guard Noah Pagotto, who has been a consistent offensive threat. He is averaging 14.3 points over his last ten games and scored 26 in a loss to Incarnate Word on Feb. 21. In the Lions’ most recent win, a 70-53 victory over Southeastern Louisiana on Feb. 16, Pagotto posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Islanders have been strong at home this season, posting an 11-4 record at American Bank Center. The Lions are just 3-12 in true road games. The over/under for the contest is set at 137.5 points.

With the Southland Conference tournament approaching, the Islanders aim to build momentum, while the Lions look to snap their skid and play spoiler in the final week of the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.