JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Sam Houston squad looks to continue its push in the Conference USA standings when it visits a struggling Jacksonville State team at Pete Mathews Coliseum on Saturday. The Bearkats (16-8, 8-3 CUSA) enter on a strong run, having won four of their last five games, including a 72-66 road victory at Kennesaw State on Thursday. The Gamecocks (12-14, 4-7), meanwhile, have lost five of their last six, most recently falling 58-57 at home to Louisiana Tech on a last-second basket. This matchup is a quick rematch of a Jan. 29 meeting in Huntsville, Texas, where Sam Houston dominated in a 70-51 win. Jacksonville State will seek to defend its home court and avenge that lopsided loss. A key player to watch for Sam Houston is guard Whitney Dunn, who is coming off a 22-point performance in the win at Kennesaw State. Over her last seven games, Dunn has averaged 10.4 points and has been a consistent offensive catalyst. In the first meeting against Jacksonville State, she contributed 5 points in 21 minutes. Jacksonville State will counter with forward Mya Barnes, who leads the team in scoring and has been a defensive presence. Barnes scored 13 points in the first matchup against Sam Houston and is averaging 11.1 points over her last eight contests. She recorded a 20-point, 6-rebound, 4-block performance in a win over Delaware on Feb. 7. Sam Houston’s recent success has been built on balanced scoring and defense. Alongside Dunn, Aysia Ward-Strong and Fanta Kone have provided steady contributions. The Bearkats have held opponents under 60 points in six of their last ten games. Jacksonville State has struggled offensively during its slump, failing to reach 60 points in four of its last six outings. Protecting the ball and finding consistent scoring beyond Barnes will be critical against a disciplined Sam Houston defense. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon. Following this game, Sam Houston will host Louisiana Tech on Feb. 28, while Jacksonville State begins a two-game road swing at UTEP on Feb. 26.