LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — A pivotal ASUN Conference men’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Wednesday night when the Lipscomb Bisons visit the Bellarmine Knights at Knights Hall. The Bisons (16-11, 8-6 ASUN), currently in the upper tier of the conference standings, look to solidify their position and complete a regular-season sweep of the Knights. Lipscomb won the first meeting 81-71 in Nashville on Jan. 15. They arrive after a tough 87-81 road loss at Queens (N.C.) on Saturday, a game where their offense struggled from deep. Guard Mateo Esmeraldo, the team’s dynamic facilitator, will be central to their efforts. Over his last eight games, Esmeraldo has averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 assists, including a 24-point, 9-assist performance in a win at North Florida. Bellarmine (11-15, 6-8), looking to climb back to .500 in league play, seeks to defend its home court and avenge January’s loss. The Knights are coming off a 90-70 defeat at Austin Peay, but forward Jack Karasinski has been on a scoring tear. He poured in 30 points in that loss and is averaging 21.1 points over his last eight contests, highlighted by four games of 23 or more points. His offensive surge will be crucial against a Lipscomb defense that allowed 87 points in its last outing. The game features a compelling contrast. Lipscomb leans on Esmeraldo’s playmaking to fuel a balanced attack, while Bellarmine increasingly runs its offense through the hot hand of Karasinski. Both teams have shown volatility in February, with Lipscomb going 3-3 and Bellarmine 2-4 in their last six games. A win for Lipscomb would strengthen its case for a favorable seed in the upcoming ASUN tournament. For Bellarmine, a victory is essential to keep pace in the crowded conference race and build momentum for its final regular-season homestand. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.