JONESBORO, Ark. (Interstat) — A pivotal early Sun Belt Conference clash awaits Wednesday night as the Troy Trojans visit the Arkansas State Red Wolves, with both teams carrying identical 10-5 records into the matchup at First National Bank Arena. The contest features two of the league’s hottest players in Troy forward Thomas Dowd and Arkansas State guard Matt Hayman. Dowd is coming off a dominant 18-point, 15-rebound performance in a 59-49 win over South Alabama on Saturday, his third straight game with at least 18 points. Over his last four outings, the standout forward is averaging 16 points and 5.8 rebounds. Hayman counters for the Red Wolves, fresh from a 23-point effort in a narrow 78-74 loss to James Madison. He has scored in double figures in five consecutive games, averaging 14.2 points during that stretch. His offensive spark will be key for an Arkansas State team looking to rebound at home. Both squads are riding positive momentum despite their similar records. The Trojans have won four straight, including notable non-conference road victories at UAB and San Diego State. The Red Wolves had won four in a row before the setback to James Madison, with their only other loss since late November coming by a single point at Rice. The game marks the start of a critical home stand for Arkansas State, while Troy begins a tough two-game road swing. The teams will meet again in Troy, Alabama, on Jan. 17. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST Wednesday at the Convocation Center. The winner will seize an early advantage in the conference standings and claim sole possession of second place.