LAKE CHARLES, La. (Interstat) — A surging McNeese State squad will look to continue its dominant run through the Southland Conference when it hosts an Incarnate Word team seeking stability on Saturday.

The McNeese State Cowgirls (19-4), among the conference leaders, enter Burton Coliseum riding a 10-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a commanding 83-35 rout of Houston Christian on Thursday, showcasing a defense that has held opponents to an average of 46.2 points during the streak.

A key offensive threat for the Cowgirls is Arianna Patton, who scored 23 points in just 20 minutes in that win. Patton has been efficient, averaging 12.4 points over her last seven contests.

They will face an Incarnate Word Cardinals team (10-11) that has lost three straight, including a 74-64 defeat at Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday. The Cardinals have shown flashes, with a 90-73 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Jan. 24, but have struggled for consistency in conference play.

Incarnate Word will rely on guard Jorja Elliott, who has been a bright spot during the skid. Elliott is averaging 18.3 points over her last three games, including a 24-point performance in a loss to Corpus Christi on Jan. 29. She posted 12 points and three assists in Thursday’s loss.

History also favors the Cowgirls. In the most recent head-to-head meeting on Dec. 29, McNeese State secured a 74-53 road victory over the Cardinals.

The matchup pits one of the league’s top defenses against an Incarnate Word offense that will need Elliott and teammate Gwendlyn McGrew, who had 19 points last game, to generate scoring against a stifling McNeese State unit.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon at Burton Coliseum.