SOUTH ALABAMA VISITS SOUTHERN MISS IN SUN BELT SHOWDOWN HATTIESBURG, Miss. (Interstat) — A surging South Alabama squad aims to continue its climb in the Sun Belt Conference standings when it visits a Southern Mississippi team seeking consistency Thursday night at Reed Green Coliseum. The Jaguars (17-7) enter with momentum, having won four of their last five, including an 81-69 victory over Buffalo on Saturday. The Golden Eagles (13-13) are looking to build on a narrow 66-65 win against Kent State that same day, which snapped a two-game skid. South Alabama’s success has been fueled by guard Adam Olsen, who is coming off a 23-point performance against Buffalo. Over his last seven games, Olsen has averaged 14.9 points, including a 26-point outing in a win at James Madison on Jan. 22. He will be a primary focus for the Jaguars’ offense. Southern Mississippi will counter with forward Djahi Binet, who has been a bright spot during a streaky season. Binet scored 31 points in a loss at Marshall on Feb. 4 and followed with a 17-point, 7-rebound effort in the win over Kent State. His ability to score inside and protect the rim will be crucial against a balanced South Alabama attack. The Jaguars have shown resilience in close games, with three of their last five wins decided by six points or fewer. Southern Miss has struggled to find a rhythm in conference play, alternating wins and losses over its last six contests. This matchup is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 27 in Mobile, Alabama. Thursday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on ESPN+.