Preview: Old Dominion Lady Monarchs at Arkansas State Red Wolves

JONESBORO, Ark. (Interstat) — A surging Arkansas State women’s basketball team will look to protect its home court and continue its best start in years when it hosts Old Dominion on Wednesday afternoon at Convocation Center.

The Red Wolves (16-4) have won five of their last six games, including an 81-71 victory over Southern Mississippi last Saturday. Their balanced attack is led by guard Zyion Shannon, who is coming off a career-high 26-point performance. Shannon has averaged 16.3 points over her last three contests, providing a consistent scoring punch for a team that has eclipsed 80 points in four of its last seven outings.

Arkansas State’s resume includes a notable non-conference road win at Arkansas on Dec. 28, signaling its potential as a contender in the Sun Belt Conference.

They will face an Old Dominion squad (12-7) arriving with momentum of its own after an 84-82 overtime thriller against Marshall. The Lady Monarchs have shown resilience, winning three of their last four, but have struggled on the road this season with a 1-3 record in true away games during that stretch.

The visiting Lady Monarchs will lean heavily on guard En’Dya Buford, their dynamic offensive engine. Buford is averaging 19.3 points over her last three games, including a 21-point, 6-assist effort in the win over Marshall. Her ability to create shots and facilitate will be crucial against an Arkansas State defense that has held opponents to an average of 62.3 points during its current three-game home stand.

The matchup pits Arkansas State’s high-powered offense, which averages 79.8 points per game, against an Old Dominion team that has allowed 77 points or more in three of its last five games. Containing Shannon and the Red Wolves’ depth will be the primary challenge for the Lady Monarchs.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday afternoon in Jonesboro. Arkansas State will aim to solidify its standing, while Old Dominion seeks a statement road victory to bolster its conference record.