WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Monmouth women’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it hosts UNC Wilmington in a Coastal Athletic Association matchup Friday afternoon at the Multipurpose Activity Center.

The Hawks (9-4) have won three straight and five of their last six, powered by the explosive scoring of guard GiGi Gamble. The junior is averaging 27.3 points over her last three games, including a 30-point performance in a 77-62 win at Elon on Jan. 2. Monmouth is coming off a 61-55 road victory over North Carolina A&T on Sunday, where Gamble scored 25 points.

They will face a Seahawks squad (5-8) seeking consistency after a 46-54 home loss to Hofstra last Sunday. UNC Wilmington has alternated wins and losses over its past five games. Guard Rori Cox, who averages 10.2 points per game, will be a key for the visitors. She posted 11 points and four assists in a 69-67 win over Northeastern on Jan. 2.

Monmouth’s defense has been a cornerstone of its success, holding opponents to an average of 52.2 points during its three-game streak. That unit will be tested by a Seahawks team that scored 76 points in a win over Columbia International on Dec. 29 but was held to 34 in a lopsided loss at North Carolina on Dec. 17.

The Hawks have found a reliable secondary option in forward Alexis Davis, who recorded 11 points and eight rebounds against North Carolina A&T. UNC Wilmington will counter with forward Kylah Silver, who grabbed seven rebounds in the loss to Hofstra.

This contest opens a critical stretch for both teams in conference play. Monmouth will hit the road to face Northeastern on Sunday, while UNC Wilmington travels to face Towson.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Friday.