JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Jacksonville State looks to continue its climb in the Conference USA standings when it hosts a struggling UTEP team on Wednesday night at Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Gamecocks (13-10) have won four of their last five games, including a decisive 77-58 victory over Kennesaw State last Saturday. Guard Jaye Nash has been a key catalyst, averaging 14.3 points over his last three contests and dropping 19 points in the win over Kennesaw State. UTEP (9-15) arrives after an emotional 91-88 overtime win against rival New Mexico State, snapping a two-game skid. The Miners’ success hinges heavily on the play of guard Caleb Blackwell, who erupted for 21 points and five assists in that victory. Blackwell has shown high-scoring potential, with four 20-point performances in his last nine games, but his production has been inconsistent. Jacksonville State won the first meeting this season, 64-60, in El Paso on Jan. 17. In that game, the Gamecocks held UTEP to 36.2% shooting. Replicating that defensive effort will be a focus against a Miner team coming off a 91-point outing. The Gamecocks have been strong at home with a 9-3 record in Jacksonville this season. UTEP has struggled on the road, winning just two of ten games away from the Don Haskins Center. For Jacksonville State, forward Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, who scored a career-high 26 points last Saturday, provides an interior complement to Nash’s perimeter play. UTEP will need continued support for Blackwell from players like Elijah Jones and Jamal West, who combined for 37 points in the win over New Mexico State. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. EST Wednesday. The teams are scheduled for a rematch in El Paso on March 7.