JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — The Mercer Bears and Jacksonville State Gamecocks seek to steady their non-conference seasons when they meet in a women’s basketball matchup Saturday at Pete Mathews Coliseum. Mercer (5-4) enters having dropped two of its last three, including a 71-49 road loss at Campbell on Wednesday. The Bears have been led by guard Nahawa Diarra, who is averaging 14.2 points per game. Diarra scored 13 points in the loss to Campbell and has been in double figures in every game this season, including a 21-point performance in a close loss at Wake Forest. Jacksonville State (2-5) looks to snap a three-game skid after falling 70-63 at Pacific last Saturday. The Gamecocks have relied on guard Adriana Jones, who is coming off a 15-point, 4-assist effort against Pacific. Jones scored a season-high 26 points in a Nov. 13 loss to Southern Mississippi. The Bears have shown a pattern of strong defensive performances in wins, holding four opponents under 60 points. Their victories include a 71-45 rout at Charleston Southern on Nov. 28. Mercer’s struggles have come on the road, where they are 2-3. The Gamecocks’ two wins came against LaGrange and at New Orleans. They have faced a challenging schedule, with losses to Power Five opponent Georgia and a narrow defeat to Pacific. Defense has been an issue, as Jacksonville State has allowed 69 or more points in four of its five losses. This is the final tune-up for both teams before entering extended holiday breaks. Mercer will host Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 14, while Jacksonville State hosts Brewton-Parker on Dec. 9. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon.