JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Jax State men's basketball team returns home for the second game of a three-game homestand, hosting the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Saturday evening at 4 p.m. Central inside Pete Mathews Coliseum.

Following a 77-62 loss at home to the Sam Houston Bearkats on Wednesday, the Gamecocks look to rebound and take control of its homecourt against the Bulldogs who have won two straight games decided by two points or less.

Saturday's contest will be strength against strength as both teams are among the best defensive teams in Conference USA. Louisiana Tech leads the league in scoring defense (60.3 points) and opponent field goal percentage (38%) while the Gamecocks trail just behind, ranking second in scoring defense (66.7 points) and fourth in opponent field goal percentage (40%).

The pair of squads each have a 3-3 conference record and have won two of their last five games. However, Louisiana Tech has struggled outside of its home floor this season, losing all six of its road games so far this year.

On the offensive end of the floor, Jax State is led by Mostapha El Moutaouakkil's 18.2 points per game, making him the second leading scorer in Conference USA. El Moutaouakkil is coming off back-to-back double doubles after dropping 17 points and 10 rebounds against Sam Houston on Wednesday. Additionally, AC Bryant has been a sparkplug from beyond the arc for head coach Ray Harper's offense, burying at least three triples in six of his last seven outings.

Louisiana Tech enters the matchup in high spirits, coming off of a game-winning three-pointer by DJ Dudley to take down Middle Tennessee 59-58 on Wednesday. The Bulldogs are led by Dudley on offense, as the junior guard scores 12.8 points per game while shooting 40% from three-point range.

Following Saturday's game, Jax State will conclude its three-game homestand next Saturday, Jan. 24, as it will face off against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at 4 p.m. CT on ESPN+.