LAFAYETTE, La. (Interstat) — A surging Arkansas State looks to rebound from a tough overtime loss when it visits struggling Louisiana-Lafayette in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball matchup Thursday night at the Cajundome. The Red Wolves (16-11) had won three straight before falling 92-88 in overtime to South Alabama on Saturday. They now face a Ragin’ Cajuns squad (9-18) that has dropped three of its last four. Arkansas State is powered by guard Christian Harmon, who is coming off a career-high 33-point performance in the loss to South Alabama. Over his last five games, Harmon is averaging 22.8 points, showcasing his role as the team’s primary scorer. His backcourt play will be critical against a Louisiana-Lafayette defense that has allowed 69 or more points in seven of its last eight contests. The Ragin’ Cajuns will counter with guard Jaxon Olvera, who scored 23 points in Monday’s 83-72 loss at Old Dominion. Olvera has been a bright spot, averaging 16.4 points over his last five outings. He will need support from De’Vion Lavergne and Dorian Finister, who combined for 33 points in the most recent game, to keep pace with Arkansas State’s offense. The Red Wolves have shown a potent attack, scoring 103 and 91 points in convincing wins earlier this month. Louisiana-Lafayette has had recent success at home, however, winning three of its last four at the Cajundome, including a victory over Sun Belt leader Georgia State on Jan. 29. This game is the first of a home-and-home series that will conclude in Jonesboro on Feb. 27. Arkansas State currently sits in the upper half of the conference standings, while Louisiana-Lafayette is near the bottom, making this a crucial opportunity for each team to build momentum for the final stretch of the regular season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.