It’s all or nothing tonight at Free State High for the Lawrence High and Free State High girls basketball teams.

The two teams — No. 4 seed Free State (11-9) and No. 5 LHS (9-11) — will face off in a first-round sub-state contest, with the winner moving on to Saturday, where a spot in the Class 6A state tournament will be just one win away.

For the Lions, tonight’s contest has two significant meanings. First, it’s the true beginning of their title defense. Until someone eliminates them, the Lions are still the defending Class 6A state champions. Second, it’s an immediate opportunity to atone for Friday’s 47-42 loss to the Firebirds, a loss that came on Senior Night and dropped the Lions to the No. 5 seed.

“After losing on Friday, I’m glad we get to play them again right away,” said LHS coach Kristin Mallory, whose team defeated Free State, 39-37, back in December at FSHS. “The chance to redeem ourselves is very important to this team.”

For the Firebirds, tonight’s game represents a chance to add to the momentum they gained from Friday’s big victory. It’s a home game for the Firebirds, and they’re the higher seed. But there’s a catch.

“The scary thing for both teams is that we’re playing a very good team in the first round, and so are they,” FSHS coach Bryan Duncan said.

Players and coaches from both teams said they expect tonight’s meeting to resemble the two that have come before it closely. But they also have said that they might have a wrinkle in store for tonight’s do-or-die contest.

“We’ve tweaked some things,” Mallory said.

Added Free State senior Ashleigh Allam: “Not changing too much is crucial. But not changing enough can break you, too.”

Tipoff is 7 p.m.