Preview: Austin Kangaroos at Hardin-Simmons Cowboys

ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Hardin-Simmons squad will look to continue its dominant season when it hosts the Austin Kangaroos in a women’s basketball matchup Friday night.

The Cowboys (22-4) enter the contest having won five of their last six games, including a 73-46 rout of Howard Payne on Feb. 28. They are led by guard Jacqueline Berry, who is averaging 12.8 points over her last six contests. Berry posted 13 points and four assists in the win over Howard Payne.

Austin (16-11) arrives after a 55-44 victory over Hendrix on March 1, snapping a two-game skid. The Kangaroos are paced by guard Brooklyn Matthews, who scored a team-high 16 points in that win. Matthews has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in four of her last eight games.

The teams met earlier this season on Dec. 7, with Hardin-Simmons securing a 55-44 road victory. The Cowboys’ defense held Austin to its second-lowest scoring output of the season in that contest.

Hardin-Simmons has built its record on a formidable defense, holding opponents under 60 points in 18 of its 22 wins. The Cowboys have not lost at home since Feb. 11.

Austin, which has alternated wins and losses over its past five games, will need to find offensive consistency to challenge the Cowboys. Beyond Matthews, Avory Miller (15 points vs. Hendrix) and Trinity Williams provide supplementary scoring.

Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CST at the Mabee Complex. The game marks the regular-season finale for both teams before conference tournament play begins next week.