EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — The surging Liberty Flames, owners of the best record in Conference USA, travel west to face the UTEP Miners in a men’s basketball rematch Saturday at the Don Haskins Center. Liberty (21-3, 11-1 CUSA) has won nine consecutive games and sits atop the league standings. The Flames are coming off a narrow 77-75 road victory at New Mexico State on Wednesday, powered by 19 points from guard JJ Harper. Harper has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in six of his last seven contests, including a 16-point performance in a win over Western Kentucky last month. UTEP (10-15, 5-7) has shown recent resilience, winning two of its last three games, including a 69-64 win at Jacksonville State on Wednesday. Guard Caleb Blackwell led the Miners with 16 points and six assists in that victory. Blackwell had one of his best games of the season in the first meeting against Liberty, scoring 20 points and dishing seven assists in an 80-69 home loss on Jan. 17. In that January matchup, Liberty used balanced scoring and held UTEP to 39% shooting from the field to secure the win. Harper was held to just four points for the Flames, but teammates Zach Cleveland and Colin Porter combined for 31 points. Both Cleveland and Porter are coming off strong 15-point performances in the win over New Mexico State. The Miners will aim to leverage their home court, where they are 7-5 this season, and seek to split the season series. UTEP’s offense has found a rhythm lately, averaging 76.6 points over its last three games. Containing Liberty’s efficient attack, which has topped 75 points in five straight games, will be the primary challenge. Saturday’s contest is a pivotal conference matchup as the regular season enters its final stretch. Liberty looks to maintain its momentum and league lead, while UTEP aims to build on its recent successes and improve its seeding for the upcoming Conference USA tournament.