CULLOWHEE, N.C. (Interstat) — Two Southern Conference women’s basketball teams seeking to reverse recent slides will meet Thursday when the East Tennessee State Lady Buccaneers visit the Western Carolina Catamounts at Ramsey Center.

Both teams enter on losing streaks. East Tennessee State (7-11, 0-3 SoCon) has dropped three consecutive conference games, most recently a 53-41 home loss to Chattanooga on Saturday. Western Carolina (3-15, 0-4) has lost five straight, including a 69-38 defeat at Furman on Saturday.

The matchup presents a critical opportunity for either squad to gain momentum in league play. The Lady Buccaneers have shown flashes, including narrow losses to Wofford (61-57) and Furman (72-70) earlier this month. The Catamounts’ lone victory since late November was a 91-44 rout of non-Division I Montreat on Dec. 30.

A key player to watch for ETSU is Meghan Downing. The forward is coming off a strong 23-point, 9-rebound performance against Wofford on Jan. 10 and followed that with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks against Chattanooga. Her interior presence will be a focus for the Lady Buccaneers’ offense.

Western Carolina will rely on guard Ally Hollifield, who has been a consistent contributor during the losing streak. She posted 15 points and 8 assists against Mercer on Jan. 8 and added 15 points and 7 rebounds against Samford on Jan. 10. Her ability to facilitate and score will be vital for a Catamounts offense averaging just 52.6 points in conference play.

Defensively, both teams have struggled. ETSU allows an average of 64.2 points per game overall, while Western Carolina surrenders 71.3. The team that can establish defensive rhythm early may find an advantage.

This game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs this season. They are scheduled to meet again in Johnson City on Feb. 21.

Following Thursday’s contest, East Tennessee State visits UNC Greensboro on Saturday. Western Carolina remains at home to host Chattanooga on Saturday.