SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — A pivotal Conference USA women’s basketball rematch awaits Thursday night when the Liberty Lady Flames visit the Missouri State Lady Bears at JQH Arena. Liberty (13-11, 5-6 CUSA) arrives having won three of its last four, including a 67-42 rout of New Mexico State on Saturday. The Lady Flames won the first meeting this season with Missouri State (15-10, 6-5), 60-52, on Feb. 1 in Lynchburg. Forward Ify Nwaobi dominated that game with 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. She is coming off a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double against New Mexico State and has averaged a double-double over her last three contests. Missouri State seeks to halt a two-game skid after a heartbreaking 68-67 loss at Louisiana Tech, where a last-second shot fell short. The Lady Bears have struggled offensively in conference play, failing to reach 70 points in seven straight games. Forward Maiesha Washington, who posted 12 points and 13 rebounds in the loss to Louisiana Tech, will be key to reversing that trend and avenging the earlier loss to Liberty. The matchup features contrasting styles. Liberty has found success with a deliberate pace and strong interior defense, anchored by Nwaobi. Missouri State will look to leverage its home court advantage, where it is 10-3 this season, and generate more consistent scoring from its perimeter players to support Washington inside. A victory is crucial for both teams jockeying for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament. Liberty can sweep the season series and climb toward .500 in league play, while Missouri State aims to stabilize its position in the upper half of the standings. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central on Thursday, Feb. 19.