STATESBORO, Ga. (Interstat) — A surging Georgia Southern women’s basketball team will look to continue its strong start when it hosts in-state Sun Belt rival Georgia State on Thursday afternoon at Hanner Fieldhouse.

The Eagles (7-3) have won five straight games, most recently a dominant 136-74 victory over Coastal Georgia on Dec. 12. They are averaging 84.1 points per game during the win streak. Guard Kayla Cleaveland is coming off a career performance, scoring 35 points in just 23 minutes in that win.

The Panthers (4-7) aim to snap a three-game skid, including a 69-63 home loss to Kennesaw State on Sunday. They have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 90.3 points in their last three defeats.

The matchup features two of the conference’s top guards. Georgia State’s Crystal Henderson has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 14.8 points and 4.5 assists per game. She posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in a loss at Florida International on Dec. 5.

Cleaveland, meanwhile, leads Georgia Southern’s high-powered attack, averaging 11.3 points per game. Her explosive scoring ability was on full display in the record-breaking outing last week.

Georgia Southern holds a distinct advantage in recent form and on its home floor. The Eagles’ only losses this season came against power-conference opponents LSU and Florida State, and Missouri State. Georgia State seeks its first true road win of the season, having gone 0-5 away from home.

Thursday’s contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the rivals. They will meet again at Georgia State on Jan. 14.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.