Preview: Lamar Lady Cardinals at Southeastern Louisiana Lions

HAMMOND, La. (Interstat) — A surging Lamar women’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it visits struggling Southeastern Louisiana in a Southland Conference matchup Thursday night at the University Center.

The Lady Cardinals (12-6 overall) enter on a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating Stephen F. Austin 73-63 on Saturday. Lamar has won seven of its last nine contests.

Conversely, the Lions (2-16) are mired in a 10-game losing skid. Their last victory came on Dec. 20 against Memphis. Southeastern Louisiana fell 69-66 to Nicholls State on Saturday, a narrow defeat that typifies a season of close losses, including a 63-62 setback against New Orleans on Jan. 8.

The game features a stark contrast in momentum and will hinge on the play of each team’s standout guard.

Lamar is powered by Kamryn Wilson, who is coming off a career-high 29-point performance against Stephen F. Austin. Over her last five games, Wilson is averaging 20.2 points per contest, providing consistent offensive firepower for the Lady Cardinals. Solenne Olenga (nine points, nine rebounds vs. SFA) and Jacei Denley (10 points, six assists) offer key support.

Southeastern Louisiana will rely on guard Aliyah Collins, who leads the team in scoring during conference play. Collins posted 16 points and four assists in the loss to Nicholls State and scored 21 points in games against Stephen F. Austin and Incarnate Word last month. Her backcourt play will be critical for the Lions to keep pace.

The Lions have struggled defensively, allowing 77.2 points per game during their 10-game losing streak. Containing Wilson and a Lamar offense averaging 70.3 points in conference games presents a significant challenge.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They are slated to meet again in Beaumont, Texas, on March 2.

Following this contest, Lamar will host McNeese State on Saturday. Southeastern Louisiana travels to face Stephen F. Austin the same day.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST Thursday at the University Center.