NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Belmont Bruins will look to continue their momentum in Missouri Valley Conference play when they host the Drake Bulldogs in a women’s basketball matchup Friday night at Curb Events Center.

Belmont (8-7, 3-1 MVC) enters on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating Illinois State 75-68 on Jan. 4. The Bruins have found their rhythm in conference action after a non-conference schedule that included losses to ranked opponents Duke and Kentucky.

The Bruins are powered by forward Hilary Fuller, who is coming off a dominant 27-point, 9-rebound performance against Illinois State. Over her last five games, Fuller is averaging 20.4 points, showcasing her as a consistent scoring threat. She is complemented by guard Jailyn Banks, who added 18 points and seven assists in the win.

Drake (4-9, 2-1) arrives after snapping a two-game skid with an 89-75 victory over Southern Illinois on Jan. 2. The Bulldogs’ season has been marked by offensive inconsistency, but they possess a high-scoring guard capable of taking over a game.

Abbie Aalsma, Drake’s standout guard, poured in 29 points in the win over Southern Illinois and is averaging 24.6 points over her last five contests. She scored 30 points in a road win at Illinois-Chicago on Dec. 29. When Aalsma is efficient, as evidenced by her 21 points and five assists in a 97-77 rout of Indiana State, the Bulldogs’ offense hums.

Friday’s game will be a test of Belmont’s improving defense against Drake’s primary offensive weapon. The Bruins, with a winning record at home, will aim to contain Aalsma and leverage their balanced attack, while the Bulldogs seek to build conference momentum and climb back to .500 in MVC play.

The teams will meet again in Des Moines, Iowa, on Feb. 5.