CHARLESTON, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging SIU Edwardsville women’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it visits struggling Eastern Illinois in an Ohio Valley Conference matchup on Thursday, Dec. 18.

The Cougars (7-3) enter Lantz Arena having won four of their last five games, including a dominant 83-36 victory over Harris-Stowe on Sunday. Eastern Illinois (1-10) seeks to halt a three-game skid and find its footing in nonconference play.

SIUE has been led by the consistent backcourt play of Ava Gugliuzza. The guard is coming off a 17-point performance in 21 minutes against Harris-Stowe and has averaged 9.0 points over her last five contests. She is a key facilitator for a balanced Cougars offense.

The Panthers will counter with forward Ella Lune, who has provided bright spots during a difficult start. Lune scored 16 points in each of her last two outings against Butler and Illinois State, adding defensive presence with multiple blocks in both games. Her production will be vital for an Eastern Illinois squad averaging just 55.5 points per game.

The teams’ early-season trajectories contrast sharply. SIUE’s three losses have come against power conference foe Missouri and competitive mid-majors Northwestern and Northern Illinois. Eastern Illinois’s lone win was a 68-63 road victory at Bellarmine on Nov. 29, but the Panthers have faced a brutal schedule with road losses to ranked opponents like Louisville and Michigan State.

This game opens a critical stretch for both programs as they conclude nonconference play before the OVC schedule intensifies in January. For the visiting Cougars, it’s an opportunity to build momentum. For the home-standing Panthers, it’s a chance to gain confidence before hosting Lindenwood on Sunday.

Tipoff is set for Thursday afternoon at Lantz Arena.