Frankfort, Ky.—Kentucky State University men's basketball will host Albany State University on Thursday and Fort Valley State University on Saturday at the Exum Center, to begin the second half of the season.

The Thorobreds (2-8, 1-2) opened SIAC play with a convincing 88-76 victory over Paine College on Nov. 30, but since then have battled injuries and a tough schedule, losing six consecutive contests. Entering play on Thursday, KSU still ranks as the No. 1 squad in scoring offense, within the conference.

"We will look to continue to push the ball," said head coach Jamaal Jackson.  "Offensively, we are emphasizing our patience during each possession, and taking the shot we want, every possession. We cannot do that if we are taking the ball out of the net, so we do emphasize deflections and steals to initiate our fast break, as well as to improve on the defensive glass."

Defensively, the Thorobreds have struggled statistically, but it's a side of the ball coach Jackson takes pride in and will be focusing in on as KSU will be taking on the bulk of the conference schedule.

"We are looking to improve on the defensive end," said Jackson. "We have some guys who play good individual defense, but we still have a lot of work to do on forcing the ball where we want it to go, along with our rotations."

Both games will be a part of doubleheader action at KSU. Thursday's matchup against the Golden Rams is set to tip at 7:30 p.m. ET and Saturday's contest against the Wildcats is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. Games on Thursday and Saturday are free to the public.