JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A pair of teams looking to build momentum heading into the new year will meet Monday when Western Kentucky visits Jacksonville State in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup at Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Hilltoppers (7-4) enter the contest looking to rebound from a narrow 82-81 home loss to Tulsa on Dec. 19, a game in which they squandered a late lead. Western Kentucky has shown both high-scoring capability, topping 100 points in a win over Campbellsville, and frustrating inconsistency, as seen in a 77-61 road loss at Marshall earlier in December. Western Kentucky will lean on forward Grant Newell, who is coming off a career-high 28-point performance in the loss to Tulsa. Over his last five games, Newell is averaging 12.5 points, providing a key scoring threat alongside guards Teagan Moore and Ryan Myers. The Gamecocks (5-6) snapped a three-game skid with an 81-75 road victory at East Tennessee State on Dec. 20. That win was fueled by a breakout 29-point effort from guard AC Bryant. Bryant’s scoring has been volatile, however, as he was held to six and five points, respectively, in the two games prior to his outburst. Jacksonville State has struggled offensively at times against Division I competition, failing to reach 70 points in four of its six losses. The team will need consistent production beyond Bryant, with forwards Emondrek Erkins-Ford and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, who combined for 36 points and 15 rebounds in the last outing, playing pivotal roles. This game opens a critical stretch for both squads as they conclude non-conference play before diving fully into the Conference USA schedule in January. Western Kentucky holds the better overall record, but Jacksonville State has the home-court advantage where they are 4-2 this season. Tipoff is set for Monday, Dec. 29, at Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Hilltoppers won both meetings last season.