MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — Two Big Sky Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when the Montana Lady Griz host the Portland State Vikings at Dahlberg Arena.

Both teams enter the Jan. 29 matchup with struggling overall records. Portland State is 5-14, while Montana sits at 6-13. However, the Lady Griz have shown recent signs of life, winning three of their last four games, including a 70-67 overtime victory at Idaho State on Saturday. Portland State has lost six straight since a conference-opening win over Weber State on Jan. 1.

The Vikings will lean on the hot hand of guard Kyleigh Brown, who has been a consistent offensive force. Brown is averaging 19.4 points per game over her last seven contests, including a 23-point performance in Portland State’s most recent outing, an 84-66 home loss to Idaho on Jan. 24. Forward Hannah Chicken, who had 17 points and five assists in that game, provides secondary scoring.

Montana counters with its own standout guard in Rae Ehrman, who is coming off a career-high 21 points in the win at Idaho State. Ehrman’s scoring surge has coincided with the Lady Griz’s improved play; she averaged 16.5 points in road wins over Idaho State and Weber State last week. Her backcourt mate, Avery Waddington, adds defensive presence, recording four blocks in 41 minutes against the Bengals.

Defense may be the deciding factor. During its three-game win streak, Montana has held opponents to an average of 63 points. Portland State, during its six-game skid, has allowed 80.2 points per game. The Vikings’ last victory was a 68-58 decision over Weber State on New Year’s Day.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They will meet again in Portland on Feb. 28.