Preview: Incarnate Word Cardinals at Houston Christian Huskies

HOUSTON (Interstat) — A Southland Conference rematch awaits Thursday when the Incarnate Word Cardinals visit the Houston Christian Huskies in women’s basketball at Sharp Gymnasium.

The Cardinals (8-8, 3-2 Southland) edged the Huskies (5-11, 1-4) 56-52 in San Antonio on Jan. 3. Both teams are looking to build on victories from their last outings.

Incarnate Word has won two straight, including a 66-53 win over Northwestern State on Saturday. Guard Brynn Lusby, a key player to watch, erupted for 20 points in just 20 minutes in that victory. Over her last five games, the sophomore has averaged 14.8 points, including a 21-point performance at Stephen F. Austin on Jan. 8.

Houston Christian snapped a four-game skid with a 65-52 home win over Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday. The Huskies were led by guard Kamryn McLaurin, who scored 18 points. McLaurin has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 13.9 points over her last seven contests. She scored 11 points in the earlier loss to UIW.

The Huskies will aim to defend their home court and improve a record that includes a 4-3 mark at Sharp Gymnasium this season. The Cardinals, who are 3-5 on the road, seek their first three-game winning streak in conference play.

Incarnate Word’s offense has shown potency, averaging 68.1 points per game in its eight wins, compared to just 55.5 in its losses. Containing Lusby and backcourt mate Jorja Elliott, who also scored 20 points against Northwestern State, will be a primary focus for the HCU defense.

Houston Christian will need to find more scoring consistency after being held under 60 points in eight of its 11 losses this season.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST Thursday. The game is the only scheduled meeting between the teams this regular season.