NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Lipscomb Bisons and Jacksonville Dolphins will open their ASUN Conference schedules on New Year’s Day, meeting Thursday at Allen Arena in a contrast of momentum. Lipscomb (7-6) enters conference play with a winning record, having secured notable non-conference victories over Marshall and Western Carolina at home. The Bisons, however, are looking to rebound from a 62-89 road loss at Cincinnati on Dec. 29. In that game, guard Ross Candelino scored 20 points, continuing his strong play. Candelino is averaging 16.5 points over his last four games and posted a triple-double (10 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists) in a blowout win over Blue Mountain on Dec. 20. His versatility will be central to Lipscomb’s attack. Jacksonville (5-8) seeks to halt a four-game skid, all coming on the road against high-major or in-state opponents. The Dolphins fell 63-87 at Florida State on Dec. 22 in their most recent outing. Guard Chris Lockett led Jacksonville with 18 points in that defeat and has been a bright spot, averaging 14.2 points over his last five games. The Dolphins’ lone win in that stretch was a 122-49 rout of non-Division I Trinity Christian. The Bisons have shown potency at home, averaging 99.3 points in their three games at Allen Arena this season. Jacksonville’s defense, which allowed an average of 89.7 points during its four-game losing streak, will be tested immediately in conference play. This marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They will meet again in Jacksonville on Jan. 29. The Dolphins hold a 15-14 all-time series edge, but Lipscomb has won three of the last four matchups. Following this game, Lipscomb will host North Florida on Saturday, while Jacksonville travels to face Austin Peay.