LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — The Liberty Flames look to rebound from their first losing streak of the season when they host the struggling Coppin State Eagles in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Vines Center. Liberty (5-2) enters having dropped consecutive games for the first time this season, falling 72-69 to Towson and 74-64 at Bradley in its most recent outing on Nov. 26. The Flames’ strength has been a balanced attack, led by versatile forward Zach Cleveland. The junior is averaging 9.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game, nearly posting a triple-double in three contests this season. In the loss at Bradley, he filled the stat sheet with 6 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Coppin State (2-8) seeks to halt a two-game skid of its own following a 91-49 road loss at West Virginia on Wednesday. The Eagles have faced a grueling early schedule, with eight of their first 10 games coming away from home. Their two victories came against Rider (68-65) and non-Division I opponent Central Penn (103-62). Guard Hassan Perkins has been a bright spot for the Eagles, leading the team in scoring in two of the last three games. He poured in 19 points and dished 5 assists in a 95-84 loss at Loyola Maryland on Nov. 30, and followed with 11 points at West Virginia. His playmaking will be critical against a disciplined Liberty defense. The Flames have excelled at home, winning all three contests in Lynchburg by an average margin of 38.7 points, including an 88-68 victory over Florida Atlantic. Coppin State, conversely, is 0-7 in true road games, with those losses coming by an average of 27.1 points. This matchup marks the first meeting between the programs. Liberty will look to leverage its defensive consistency and home-court advantage, while Coppin State aims to find traction before embarking on another tough road stretch at Saint Joseph’s next Tuesday. Liberty travels to North Carolina State on Dec. 10. Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon.