CLINTON, S.C. (Interstat) — Two Big South women’s basketball teams seeking a foothold will meet Saturday when the UNC Asheville Bulldogs visit the Presbyterian Blue Hose at Templeton Center.

The Bulldogs (6-12, 1-4 Big South) enter on a two-game skid after a 72-66 home loss to Charleston Southern on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, guard Jamaria Freeman turned in a strong all-around performance with 15 points and nine assists. Freeman has been a consistent catalyst, averaging 9.0 points and 5.7 assists in conference play.

She will be a primary focus for a Presbyterian defense that has struggled. The Blue Hose (2-15, 0-5) are mired in a 10-game losing streak, most recently a 58-38 defeat at South Carolina Upstate where they shot just 23.7% from the field. Guard Ore Ogunwolere, who had seven points and five assists in that contest, is a key player for a Presbyterian offense averaging a league-worst 48.2 points per game.

While both teams have found wins scarce, their Jan. 3 conference openers hint at potential for a close matchup. UNC Asheville fell 59-55 to Winthrop, while Presbyterian lost 89-56 at Longwood. The Bulldogs have shown more offensive capability, led by Freeman and forwards Journee McDaniel (19 points vs. Charleston Southern) and Nia Green (16 points).

Presbyterian will rely on home court advantage at the Templeton Center, where they are 2-6 this season. Their last win came on Nov. 17. UNC Asheville is 2-8 on the road.

History slightly favors the Bulldogs, who have won seven of the last ten meetings. However, in a season defined by struggles for both programs, Saturday’s game represents a critical opportunity to build momentum for the second half of the conference schedule.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST.