Struggling New Orleans Seeks Revenge Against Texas A&M-Commerce in Southland Rematch

COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — The Texas A&M-Commerce Lions will look to complete a regular-season sweep of the New Orleans Privateers when the teams meet in a Southland Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Texas A&M-Commerce Field House.

The Lions (7-10, 2-4 Southland) defeated the Privateers 72-63 in New Orleans on Jan. 3. Nina Horvath led the way in that victory, scoring 24 points with four assists. Horvath, who averages 9.2 points per game, is coming off a 13-point performance in a loss to Lamar last Thursday.

New Orleans (1-18, 1-6) enters mired in a six-game losing streak since its only win of the season, a 64-63 victory at Southeastern Louisiana on Jan. 8. The Privateers are coming off a 77-41 road loss to McNeese State on Saturday, where they shot just 23.2% from the field.

A bright spot for the Privateers has been forward Jayla Kimbrough. Over her last five games, Kimbrough is averaging 10.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. She posted a near double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds against Stephen F. Austin on Jan. 17.

Texas A&M-Commerce has also struggled recently, losing four of its last five contests. Their defense, however, has kept games competitive, holding opponents to an average of 62.2 points during that stretch.

The Lions’ offense runs through Horvath and Reza Po, who scored 14 points in the last outing. The Privateers will counter with Kimbrough and Lauren Banks, who had seven points and two rebounds in the loss to McNeese State.

In the Jan. 3 matchup, Texas A&M-Commerce used a strong second half to pull away after a close first half. Containing Horvath and improving offensive efficiency will be critical for New Orleans to reverse that result and snap its prolonged skid.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Thursday. The Lions host Nicholls State on Saturday, while the Privateers travel to face Northwestern State.