TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams seeking to halt extended slides will meet Friday when Mississippi Valley State visits Florida State at the Donald L. Tucker Center. The Seminoles (5-6) have lost five consecutive games, most recently a 97-69 defeat at Dayton on Tuesday. During the skid, their defense has allowed an average of 96.8 points per game. Forward Lajae Jones, who scored 36 points in a win over Georgia Southern on Nov. 21, has been inconsistent, averaging 9.6 points over the last five contests. Florida State will look to rediscover its early-season form, which included a 3-1 start. They face a Mississippi Valley State team (1-10) mired in a 10-game losing streak since a season-opening victory over MUW. The Delta Devils have faced a brutal road schedule, with this game being their 10th away from home. They are allowing 90.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally in scoring defense. The matchup features a compelling individual battle at guard. Mississippi Valley State is led by Michael James, a high-volume scorer averaging 23.8 points over his last five games. He dropped 32 points at Texas A&M and 27 in Tuesday’s 88-64 home loss to Tarleton State. Containing him will be a primary focus for a Florida State defense desperate for a stand. For Florida State, this nonconference finale represents a critical opportunity to build confidence before ACC play begins Dec. 30 at North Carolina. For Mississippi Valley State, it is another daunting power-conference test before SWAC competition starts in January. The Seminoles have dominated the series, winning all four previous meetings by an average margin of 38 points. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Friday. Florida State hosts Jacksonville on Monday, while Mississippi Valley State continues its road swing at West Virginia.