Preview: McNeese State Cowgirls at Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros

EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — A surging McNeese State squad visits a resurgent Texas-Rio Grande Valley team in a key Southland Conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday at UT Pan Am Field House.

The Cowgirls (13-4 overall) enter on a five-game winning streak, most recently defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59-42 on Thursday. McNeese State’s defense has been stifling during the run, holding opponents to an average of 49.6 points per game.

Guard Lexi Alexander has been a consistent contributor for McNeese State. Over the last five games, she averaged 8.0 points and has been a disruptive force defensively.

The Vaqueros (9-8) have found their footing in conference play, winning four straight after opening Southland action with a loss. They are coming off a 78-65 home victory over Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, powered by a standout performance from Charlotte O’Keefe.

O’Keefe, a key player for UTRGV, is averaging 12.4 points over the last five contests. She dominated against Southeastern Louisiana, scoring 22 points to go with three assists and four blocks.

While McNeese State has relied on balanced scoring and defensive pressure, UTRGV has leaned on O’Keefe and guard Jalayah Ingram, who dished out seven assists in the last outing.

The Vaqueros will need that backcourt production to counter a McNeese State team that has won its conference games by an average margin of 16.2 points. The Cowgirls’ only league setback was a non-conference loss to Arizona State in early December.

This contest begins a pivotal stretch for both teams. The rematch is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Edinburg.