MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Alabama A&M looks to continue its climb in the SWAC standings when it visits rival Alabama State on Monday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The Bulldogs (9-8, 2-2 SWAC) enter the contest having won two of their last three, most recently a 100-91 home victory over Jackson State on Jan. 12. Guard Kintavious Dozier powered that win with a season-high 31 points. Dozier has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 18.6 points per game over his last five contests, including a 26-point performance in a road loss at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Alabama State (5-11, 2-2), however, is coming off its own strong offensive showing, an 81-66 home win over Alcorn State on Jan. 12. Guard Asjon Anderson led the way with 23 points and has been equally prolific, averaging 20.4 points over his last five games. The Hornets have shown a pattern of following a loss with a win in conference play, a trend they will aim to continue after falling to Jackson State on Jan. 10. The intrastate rivalry, known as the Magic City Classic on the football field, carries significant weight in basketball as both teams seek early positioning in the conference race. Alabama A&M holds the better overall record, but both teams are currently .500 in SWAC play. Defense may prove decisive. Alabama A&M has held two of its last four Division I opponents under 65 points, while Alabama State has allowed 90 or more points in two of its last five games. Containing the opposing star guard will be a primary focus for each defense. The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. EST as part of a conference doubleheader. Following this matchup, Alabama A&M travels to face Texas Southern on Jan. 24, while Alabama State heads to Prairie View A&M on the same date.