ATLANTA (Interstat) — A surging Georgia Southern looks to continue its climb in the Sun Belt standings when it visits struggling in-state rival Georgia State on Thursday night. The Eagles (15-12) enter the 7 p.m. EST tipoff at GSU Sports Arena having won two of their last three, including a 101-87 offensive showcase against Marshall on Saturday. The Panthers (9-18), meanwhile, seek to halt a five-game skid, their latest a 78-55 loss at Old Dominion. Georgia Southern’s offense runs through guard Tyren Moore, who is coming off a 32-point performance against Marshall. He averaged 22.3 points in three games last week, showcasing the scoring burst that makes him the focal point of the Eagles’ attack. He will be matched against Georgia State’s primary threat, guard Malachi Brown, who has shouldered a heavy load, scoring 25 points in 38 minutes in the loss to Old Dominion and averaging 20.4 points over his last five contests. The visiting Eagles won the season’s first meeting decisively, a 90-67 victory in Statesboro on Dec. 18. Replicating that result on the road would bolster their position ahead of a tough closing stretch. For Georgia State, the game represents a critical opportunity to salvage pride in the rivalry and find momentum in a difficult season. The Panthers have shown flashes, with narrow losses to James Madison and Northern Illinois this month, but have struggled to close games. The matchup pits one of the conference’s more potent offenses against a Panthers squad that has allowed 74 or more points in four of their five consecutive losses. Containing Moore and the Eagles’ rhythm will be paramount for the home team. Both teams face quick turnarounds, with Georgia Southern visiting Appalachian State on Saturday and Georgia State hosting James Madison the same day.