NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A critical Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Tennessee State Tigers host the Lindenwood Lions at the Howard Gentry Complex. Both teams enter the contest looking to rebound from losses last Saturday. The Tigers (17-9) fell 94-86 at Morehead State, while the Lions (16-11) dropped a 73-61 decision to Southeast Missouri State at home. The game will feature a compelling rematch of a high-scoring affair from Jan. 24, which Tennessee State won 96-86 in St. Charles, Missouri. That previous meeting highlighted the star power expected to be on display Thursday. Lindenwood’s Anias Futrell scored 25 points in the loss, part of a dominant stretch where he has averaged 22.4 points over his last eight games. The guard is coming off a 40-minute, 22-point effort in the Lions’ most recent game. Tennessee State’s offense is powered by Travis Harper, who torched Lindenwood for 30 points in the January win. Harper is also in strong form, averaging 21.4 points over his last five contests, including a 30-point performance in the Tigers’ loss to Morehead State. The contest pits two of the OVC’s top teams in a tight conference race. Tennessee State will look to protect its home court and complete a regular-season sweep, which could prove vital for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament. Lindenwood aims to even the season series and bolster its own standing, relying heavily on Futrell’s scoring prowess to counter Harper and the Tigers’ attack. Following this game, Lindenwood will visit Tennessee Tech on Saturday. Tennessee State will remain at home to host SIU Edwardsville on the same day.