JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging East Tennessee State looks to continue its strong start to Southern Conference play when it hosts a Virginia Military Institute team coming off its best win of the season on Wednesday night. The Buccaneers (10-5) have won two straight, including a 77-71 league victory over Mercer on Saturday, to open conference action. They will be heavily favored at home against the Keydets (6-9), who snapped a two-game skid with a 79-71 win over Chattanooga that same day. ETSU has been led by the consistent play of guard Brian Taylor, who is averaging 17.4 points over his last five games. He posted 21 points and eight rebounds in the win over Mercer. The Buccaneers have relied on a stout defense, holding opponents to an average of 66.1 points per game at the ETSU Athletic Center. VMI will counter with dynamic guard Tan Yildizoglu, who is coming off a 22-point, six-assist performance against Chattanooga. Over his last four games, Yildizoglu is averaging 15.8 points and 5.8 assists. His backcourt partnership with TJ Johnson, who had 17 points against the Mocs, will be crucial for the Keydets’ upset hopes. The matchup pits two teams on different trajectories. ETSU’s 10-5 record includes a perfect 7-0 mark at home, with wins by an average margin of 22.7 points. VMI has struggled on the road, going 1-4 away from Lexington, though the Keydets showed resilience in their comeback win over Chattanooga. Historically, ETSU has dominated the series, winning 12 of the last 13 meetings. The Buccaneers won both matchups last season by an average of 24 points. For VMI, building on the momentum from its first SoCon win is paramount. For ETSU, protecting its home court is essential to keep pace in the conference race. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.