Preview: New Hampshire Wildcats at Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks

LOWELL, Mass. (Interstat) — Two America East women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Thursday when the New Hampshire Wildcats visit the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks.

The conference matchup at Costello Athletic Center features teams with nearly identical records. New Hampshire enters at 7-13 overall, while UMass Lowell is 6-14. Both squads have struggled in recent league play but are coming off their most competitive performances of the new year.

The Wildcats snapped a six-game losing streak with a 56-51 road win at Albany on Saturday. Guard Eva DeChent led the way with 17 points. DeChent has been a bright spot for New Hampshire, showcasing high-scoring potential with a 34-point outing against NJIT on Jan. 8. She averages 15.4 points over her last seven games and will be a primary focus for the River Hawks’ defense.

UMass Lowell, mired in a seven-game skid, fell 75-52 to Maryland-Baltimore County on Saturday. Guard Jaini Edmonds continued her strong individual season, scoring 20 points with six rebounds. Edmonds has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 17.6 points over her last seven contests and scoring in double figures in six of them.

The River Hawks will look to leverage their home court, where they last won on Dec. 29. Their defense, however, has been a concern, allowing an average of 75.1 points during their current losing streak.

New Hampshire will aim to build on its defensive effort against Albany, which held an opponent under 60 points for the first time since Dec. 28. Support for DeChent will be crucial; forwards Camryn Fauria and Maggie Cavanaugh combined for 20 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

This game represents a key opportunity for both teams to gain ground in the America East standings. The season series will conclude when UMass Lowell visits New Hampshire on Feb. 19.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Thursday.