LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — Two teams jockeying for position in the Conference USA standings will meet Thursday when the Liberty Lady Flames host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a women’s basketball clash at Vines Center. Both teams enter with identical 14-12 overall records, adding stakes to the late-season matchup. The game is a quick rematch from Jan. 23, when Middle Tennessee secured a 63-54 victory at home in Murfreesboro. The Blue Raiders have relied heavily on forward Blair Baugus, who is coming off a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double in a 70-65 loss at Western Kentucky on Feb. 21. Over her last six games, Baugus is averaging 12.7 points and 7.5 rebounds, including a 17-rebound performance against Western Kentucky on Jan. 31. Guard Macie Phifer, who scored a team-high 21 points in the most recent loss, provides additional scoring punch. Liberty looks to defend its home court and split the season series, but must rebound from a difficult 66-45 road loss at Florida International on Feb. 21. Guard JaKayla Thompson, a key facilitator, leads the Lady Flames. She averaged 10.0 points and 3.5 assists in two games last week, including a 10-point effort in a road win at Missouri State on Feb. 19. The Lady Flames have been strong at home recently, winning three of their last four at Vines Center. Middle Tennessee has struggled on the road, dropping its last two away games by a combined eight points. With the conference tournament approaching, the outcome will impact seeding. Both teams have shown the ability to win defensively, with each holding opponents under 60 points in several recent victories. The battle in the paint between Baugus and Liberty’s interior defenders will be pivotal. Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, at Vines Center in Lynchburg.