JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — Two Conference USA men’s basketball teams trending in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Jacksonville State Gamecocks host the New Mexico State Aggies at Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Gamecocks (13-11) look to rebound from a midweek home loss and solidify their standing in the conference, while the Aggies (11-13) aim to halt a slide that has seen them drop five of their last six games. Tipoff is set for Feb. 14, 2026. Jacksonville State fell 69-64 to UTEP on Wednesday, snapping a two-game win streak. Guard AC Bryant leads the team in scoring and will be a focal point. He is coming off a 17-point performance against the Miners and has been a consistent presence, including a 22-point outing in a win over Middle Tennessee last month. New Mexico State arrives after a heartbreaking 77-75 home loss to Liberty on Wednesday, its second consecutive defeat. The Aggies’ fortunes often ride with guard Jemel Jones, who has been on a scoring tear. Jones poured in 23 points against Liberty and 26 in a narrow overtime loss at UTEP on Feb. 7. Over his last three games, he is averaging 25 points per contest. The matchup presents a contrast in recent form. Jacksonville State has won four of its last six, including a decisive 77-58 victory over Kennesaw State. New Mexico State, meanwhile, has struggled to close games, with four of its last six losses coming by six points or fewer. This game is the first of a regular-season series between the schools, with a rematch scheduled for March 5 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Both teams are jockeying for position ahead of the conference tournament. For Jacksonville State, a win would maintain momentum before a two-game road trip next week. For New Mexico State, finding a way to secure a tough road victory is crucial to turning its season around before returning home to face UTEP on Feb. 21. The Gamecocks will rely on their home-court advantage, where they are 9-4 this season. The Aggies, just 3-8 in true road games, will look to Jones to provide the offensive firepower needed for an upset.