NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — Two Southland Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when the Incarnate Word Cardinals visit the New Orleans Privateers at Kiefer Lakefront Arena.

Both teams have struggled in nonconference play. The Cardinals (2-5) enter with a two-game losing streak on the road but are coming off their most impressive performance of the season, a 65-48 home win over St. Mary’s on Dec. 11. The Privateers (0-9) are still searching for their first victory after a 95-71 loss at Tulane on Dec. 14.

Incarnate Word will rely on guard Raimi McCrary, who is coming off a career-best performance. In the win over St. Mary’s, she played 37 minutes and scored 21 points with eight rebounds and three assists. Her scoring punch will be vital for a Cardinals team that has faced offensive inconsistencies.

New Orleans will counter with guard Shanihya Brown, who has provided a bright spot in a difficult start. She scored 20 points with four assists against Tulane and has tallied 20 points in two of her last four games. Her backcourt battle with McCrary will be a key matchup.

The Privateers’ schedule has been arduous, featuring blowout losses to power conference opponents LSU and Oklahoma State. Their narrowest defeat was a 65-62 loss to Jacksonville State on Nov. 22. Incarnate Word’s wins came against St. Mary’s and St. Thomas, but they have also endured lopsided defeats to Texas and TCU.

This contest opens a critical stretch for both programs as they approach the bulk of their conference schedules in January. For New Orleans, it represents a chance to finally break through at home. For Incarnate Word, it is an opportunity to build on its latest win and secure a positive result away from San Antonio.

Tip-off is set for Thursday night in New Orleans.