FARMVILLE, Va. (Interstat) — A surging Longwood women’s basketball team will look to protect its home court and solidify its standing atop the Big South Conference when it hosts a resurgent Winthrop squad on Wednesday night at Willet Hall.

The Lancers (12-4 overall) enter the midweek matchup as one of the league’s hottest teams, having won five consecutive games, including their first three conference contests. Their most recent victory was a 67-58 road win at UNC Asheville on Saturday, led by 21 points from guard Malea Brown. Brown has been a consistent force, averaging 17.8 points over her last four games.

Winthrop (10-8) has found its rhythm after a challenging non-conference slate, riding a three-game winning streak. The Eagles defeated Charleston Southern 63-54 at home on Saturday, with Madison Ruff scoring 15 points and grabbing six rebounds. Ruff has been pivotal during the streak, averaging 12.3 points per game in conference play.

The contest pits Longwood’s potent offense, which has scored 83 or more points three times this season, against a Winthrop team that has grinded out lower-scoring victories in its recent run. The Lancers’ 98-point outburst against UNC Wilmington on Dec. 21 highlights their offensive ceiling.

Longwood holds a clear advantage in the season’s overall trajectory, but the Eagles have demonstrated improved defensive toughness in January. Containing Brown will be a primary focus for Winthrop, while Longwood must account for Ruff’s all-around production.

Wednesday’s game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs this season. They are scheduled to meet again in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Feb. 14.

The Lancers continue their conference homestand against High Point on Saturday. Winthrop returns home to face Radford on Saturday.