LORETTO, Pa. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in a challenging season will meet Thursday when the Chicago State Cougars visit the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball matchup at DeGol Arena.

The game is a quick rematch from last week, when host Chicago State (4-17) defeated Saint Francis (PA) 73-64 on Jan. 22. The Cougars followed that with a narrow 77-76 home loss to Mercyhurst on Saturday, while the Red Flash (2-17) fell 61-60 to New Haven on the same day.

Chicago State guard Keona McGee, who scored 20 points in the first meeting against Saint Francis, enters on a hot streak. She poured in a season-high 25 points in the loss to Mercyhurst and has averaged 17.1 points over her last eight games. Her backcourt play will be central to the Cougars’ efforts.

Saint Francis will counter with forward Sonia Sato, who recorded a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds against New Haven. In the previous matchup with Chicago State, Sato also scored 13 points. Her presence on the boards will be critical for a Red Flash team looking to avenge last week’s result on its home floor.

Both teams have struggled for consistency this season. The Cougars’ win over Saint Francis is one of only two victories in their last nine games. The Red Flash have lost five of their last six, with their lone win in that span a 75-67 decision over Wagner on Jan. 8.

Defensive intensity may decide the outcome. Chicago State allowed 77 points in its last outing, while Saint Francis was held to a season-low 28 points in a loss to Fairleigh Dickinson earlier this month. Whichever team establishes control defensively will likely have the upper hand.

The rematch offers Saint Francis a chance for immediate redemption and Chicago State an opportunity to secure a season series sweep and build on a rare winning streak in conference play.

Tip-off is set for Thursday night in Loretto.