SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — A pivotal Conference USA women’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Florida International Golden Panthers visit the Missouri State Lady Bears at JQH Arena. Both teams enter the final stretch of the regular season on the heels of decisive victories. Florida International (17-9) routed Liberty 66-45 on Saturday, led by 25 points from guard Parris Atkins. Missouri State (16-11) dominated Delaware 83-57 the same day, powered by a 28-point, 12-rebound double-double from forward Lainie Douglas. The contest features a compelling duel between two of the conference’s top performers. Atkins, the Golden Panthers’ dynamic guard, is averaging 17.1 points, 4.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds over her last eight games. She posted a triple-double of 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in a win over Delaware on Feb. 19. Douglas, meanwhile, has been a force for the Lady Bears, averaging 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in that same span, though her production has fluctuated. Missouri State won the season’s first meeting, 80-69, at Florida International on Jan. 4. The Golden Panthers will seek to avenge that loss and improve their conference standing, having won five of their last seven games. The Lady Bears have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses in their last six contests, but are a formidable 11-3 at home this season. The game could hinge on which star delivers a signature performance. Atkins’ ability to score and facilitate will test a Missouri State defense that held Delaware to 36.2% shooting last time out. Douglas will look to control the interior against a Florida International team that has held three of its last five opponents under 60 points. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central on Thursday, Feb. 26. The outcome will impact seeding for the upcoming Conference USA tournament, with both teams jockeying for position in the final week of the regular season.