Preview: Hampton at Hofstra Women’s Basketball

STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking to halt prolonged slides will meet Sunday when the Hampton Pirates visit the Hofstra Pride in a Colonial Athletic Association women’s basketball matchup at Mack Sports Complex.

Hampton (9-13) arrives after a decisive 75-42 road loss at Drexel on Friday. The Pirates have dropped four of their last five contests. Hofstra (3-17) has lost seven consecutive games, its most recent a narrow 52-49 defeat at Stony Brook on Jan. 30.

While both teams have struggled in conference play, the matchup offers a chance for one to gain momentum. Hampton won the season’s first meeting, 59-49, at home on Jan. 16.

A key player for the Pirates is guard Aaryn Battle, who contributed five points, four rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes during the loss to Drexel. For Hofstra, forward Micaela Carter has been a bright spot, coming off an 18-point performance in 31 minutes against Stony Brook. Carter has averaged 10.3 points over her last four games.

In the Jan. 16 meeting, Hampton’s defense held Hofstra to 27.9% shooting from the field. The Pride will look to improve their offensive efficiency at home, where they are 2-7 this season. Hampton is 3-9 in road games.

The Pirates have shown an ability to win on the road in conference play, with a 60-48 victory at UNC Wilmington on Jan. 30. Hofstra’s last win was a 54-46 road victory at UNC Wilmington on Jan. 4.

Following this contest, Hampton continues a three-game road swing at Stony Brook on Feb. 27. Hofstra embarks on a two-game road trip, starting at Campbell on Feb. 13.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST Sunday.