JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — Conference USA women’s basketball play opens Friday with Jacksonville State looking to continue its recent momentum against a Western Kentucky team seeking to reverse its fortunes.

The Gamecocks (6-6) host the Lady Toppers (4-7) at Pete Mathews Coliseum in the league opener for both teams. Jacksonville State enters having won four of its last five, including a dominant 74-39 road victory at Presbyterian on Dec. 21. Western Kentucky aims to rebound from a narrow 59-58 loss at Chattanooga on Dec. 19, its seventh defeat in the last nine games.

Jacksonville State’s success has been fueled by forward Mya Barnes, who is coming off a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds against Presbyterian. Over her last five games, Barnes has averaged 12 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks, providing a consistent interior presence.

Western Kentucky will rely on guard Trinity Rowe, who scored a team-high 16 points in the loss to Chattanooga. Rowe has been a key facilitator, averaging 5.0 assists over her last three contests, though her scoring has fluctuated.

The Gamecocks have found a rhythm during a homestand, winning their last three at Pete Mathews by an average of 38.7 points. Western Kentucky’s road record stands at 2-4, with those wins coming against North Dakota and Southern Illinois.

Defense could be pivotal. Jacksonville State has held opponents to 35.8% shooting during its three-game home winning streak. Western Kentucky has struggled offensively at times, scoring 58 points or fewer in five of its seven losses.

Friday’s matchup begins a critical conference stretch for both squads as they navigate the new-look Conference USA.