HOUSTON (Interstat) — A pair of SWAC teams trending in opposite directions will meet Monday night when the Southern Jaguars visit the Texas Southern Tigers at Health & P.E. Arena. Southern (12-13, 9-3 SWAC) enters on a four-game winning streak, its latest an 87-82 road victory at Prairie View on Saturday. The Jaguars have found momentum behind a stifling defense and the standout play of forward Terrance Dixon. Over his last six full games, Dixon is averaging 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks, including a 24-point, 11-rebound performance against Prairie View. Texas Southern (8-15, 6-6), the preseason conference favorite, has struggled for consistency but is coming off an 82-79 home win over Grambling. Guard Jordan Gorecki led the Tigers with 15 points and six rebounds in that contest. The Tigers will need a collective effort to slow Southern, which handed them an 84-73 loss in Baton Rouge on Jan. 3. The Jaguars’ recent surge has been keyed by defensive intensity, holding opponents to an average of 69.5 points during their win streak. Texas Southern’s offense, which erupted for 96 points in a win over Alabama State last month but was held under 70 in two of its last three losses, will be tested. Monday’s matchup is critical for SWAC tournament seeding. Southern currently sits near the top of the conference standings, while Texas Southern aims to climb back to .500 in league play. The Tigers hold a significant home-court advantage at the H&PE Arena, where they are 6-3 this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Southern’s next game is at home against Grambling on Feb. 21, while Texas Southern travels to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff the same day.