Preview: Lindenwood Lions at Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Interstat) — A pivotal Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball matchup unfolds Thursday night when the surging Lindenwood Lions visit the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles at the Physical Activities Center.

Both teams enter with strong overall records, but Lindenwood (15-6, 7-1 OVC) holds a narrow edge in the conference standings and carries the momentum of a five-game winning streak. The Lions are coming off a dominant 91-58 victory over Tennessee State on Jan. 24, where Aleshia Jones scored 22 points and Brooke Coffey added a game-high 24.

Jones, a dynamic guard, has been on a scoring tear, averaging 21.1 points over her last eight games. She erupted for 32 points in a win over Tennessee Tech on Jan. 22. Her performance will be central to Lindenwood’s attack.

Southern Indiana (14-5, 6-2) looks to defend its home court and avenge a 75-65 loss at Lindenwood just over three weeks ago on Jan. 3. The Screaming Eagles stumbled in their last outing, falling 72-62 to Western Illinois on Jan. 23, snapping a four-game win streak.

The Screaming Eagles will rely on guard Chloe Gannon, who is averaging 13.3 points per game in conference play. She scored 21 points in a win over Eastern Illinois on Jan. 22 and recorded six blocks in an overtime win at Tennessee Tech on Jan. 15.

This contest is a key opportunity for Southern Indiana to draw even with Lindenwood in the loss column and regain confidence after its recent defeat. For the Lions, a road win would solidify their position atop the OVC and complete a regular-season sweep of a primary contender.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST on Jan. 29. Southern Indiana hosts SIU Edwardsville on Saturday, while Lindenwood travels to face Morehead State.