LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A pivotal Conference USA women’s basketball matchup awaits Friday night as the Florida International Golden Panthers visit the Liberty Lady Flames at the Vines Center. Both teams enter the Jan. 30 contest looking to solidify their conference standing. Florida International (11-7) aims to rebound from a 74-59 home loss to Louisiana Tech last Saturday. Liberty (9-9) seeks consistency after a 54-63 road defeat at Middle Tennessee last Friday. The Golden Panthers have been led by the strong play of Rhema Collins. The standout has averaged 15.1 points over her last seven games, including a 29-point performance in a win at New Mexico State on Jan. 15 and 22 points at UTEP on Jan. 17. Her defensive presence, with multiple blocks in four of those contests, will be key against Liberty’s attack. Liberty counters with Elisabeth Aegisdottir, a steady contributor who scored 12 points in the loss to Middle Tennessee. The Lady Flames have shown resilience in close games, edging Western Kentucky 55-53 on Jan. 22. Florida International holds a slight edge in the season series, having won the first meeting 80-63 in Miami on Dec. 5. Parris Atkins, who scored 14 points in the Golden Panthers’ most recent loss, was a force in that game with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The game will be a test of Florida International’s road form, as they are 3-2 in true away games this season, against Liberty’s effort to protect its home court. The Lady Flames’ upcoming schedule intensifies, making a victory here crucial for momentum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern. The Golden Panthers travel to face Delaware next, while Liberty hosts Missouri State on Saturday.