JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — Two Conference USA women’s basketball teams trending in opposite directions will meet Thursday night when the Jacksonville State Gamecocks host the New Mexico State Aggies at Pete Mathews Coliseum.

Jacksonville State (9-8, 3-1 CUSA) enters on a two-game winning streak, including a dominant 74-47 road victory at Kennesaw State on Saturday. The Gamecocks have found success with a balanced attack, but are led by guard Mya Barnes, who is averaging 14.8 points over her last five contests. She scored a team-high 18 points in the win over Kennesaw State.

New Mexico State (7-11, 2-2) snapped a two-game skid with a 63-56 home win over Missouri State on Saturday. The Aggies have struggled for consistency but are bolstered by the interior presence of forward Morane Dossou. She is coming off a double-double performance with 10 points and 13 rebounds against Missouri State, her second such game this month. Her production, however, has fluctuated significantly.

The Gamecocks have been strong at home in conference play, winning their two league games in Jacksonville by an average of 23.5 points. Their defense will be tested by an Aggies squad that saw Imani Warren (17 points) and Keira Hudson (15 points) provide crucial scoring support alongside Dossou in their latest win.

Historically, this is a new conference rivalry. This game marks the first of two scheduled meetings this season, with the rematch set for Feb. 28 in Las Cruces.

For Jacksonville State, a win would solidify its position in the upper tier of the conference standings. For New Mexico State, a road victory would represent a key step toward reaching .500 in league play and building momentum from Saturday’s result.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Thursday.