FLORENCE, Ala. (Interstat) — Two ASUN women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when the North Alabama Lions host the Queens (N.C.) Royals at Flowers Hall.

The Lions (8-9, 3-2 ASUN) enter on a three-game winning streak, fueled by the explosive play of guard Alexsandra Alvarado. She is coming off a career-defining performance, scoring 37 points with four assists and three blocks in an 83-79 road win at Jacksonville on Saturday. During the winning streak, Alvarado is averaging 20.7 points per game.

Conversely, the Royals (7-10, 1-4) are mired in a five-game skid following a 65-45 home loss to Florida Gulf Coast. Queens has struggled offensively in conference play, failing to reach 65 points in any of its five ASUN contests. Forward Hannah Hicks, a key contributor, will look to provide a spark. She posted 14 points and four blocks in a Jan. 10 loss to North Florida but was held to four points last time out.

North Alabama’s recent surge has been marked by close victories, including a 56-54 win at North Florida on Jan. 15. The Lions’ conference losses came against current top-tier ASUN foes Florida Gulf Coast and Eastern Kentucky.

Queens’ lone ASUN win was a 58-46 road victory at Bellarmine on New Year’s Day. Since then, defensive lapses have been costly, including allowing 103 points in a loss at Eastern Kentucky on Jan. 3.

The matchup pits North Alabama’s rising confidence against a Queens team desperate to halt its slide. Containing Alvarado will be the primary defensive challenge for the Royals, while the Lions must navigate a Queens frontcourt anchored by Hicks.

Thursday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. North Alabama travels to Central Arkansas on Saturday, while Queens visits West Georgia.