HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Sam Houston squad looks to continue its push atop the Conference USA standings when it hosts a Jacksonville State team seeking to snap a skid on Saturday at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkats (18-8, 8-3 CUSA) enter the matchup having won seven of their last nine games, including a 78-70 victory over Middle Tennessee on Wednesday. Guard Jacob Walker, a key catalyst, scored 20 points in that win and is averaging 16.4 points over his last five contests. Sam Houston won the season’s first meeting decisively, 77-62, at Jacksonville State on Jan. 14. The visiting Gamecocks (13-13, 4-7) have lost three straight since that Feb. 7 win, most recently falling 77-71 at Louisiana Tech. Despite the team’s struggles, guard Mostapha El Moutaouakkil has been a bright spot, erupting for 27 points in the loss to the Bulldogs. He is averaging 21.1 points per game over his last seven outings, including a 31-point performance at Florida International last month. Jacksonville State’s challenge will be containing a balanced Sam Houston offense that features multiple scoring threats, including Veljko Ilic, who had 15 points and five assists against Middle Tennessee. The Bearkats are 11-2 at home this season. For the Gamecocks, finding consistent support for El Moutaouakkil is critical. AC Bryant added 17 points in the midweek loss, but Jacksonville State has struggled offensively during its losing streak, failing to reach 72 points in any of the three games. A Sam Houston victory would solidify its position near the top of the conference with the regular season winding down. A Jacksonville State win would provide a crucial resume boost and halt its late-season slide. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.