AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — Two teams seeking to build on rare positive momentum will meet Saturday when the Akron Zips host the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup.

The game at James A. Rhodes Arena pits struggling programs with a combined 7-38 record this season. Akron (5-17) enters having won two of its last three games, including a 77-74 victory over Toledo on Wednesday. The Zips are led by guard Shaena Brew, who nearly posted a double-double with 14 points and nine assists in that win. Brew is averaging 17.3 points over her last three contests.

Louisiana-Lafayette (2-21) snapped a 16-game losing streak with a win over Coastal Carolina on Jan. 21 but has dropped five straight since. The Ragin’ Cajuns are coming off a 72-61 home loss to Old Dominion on Wednesday. Their offense runs through guard Mikaylah Manley, who scored a season-high 27 points in that defeat. Manley has been a consistent scorer, averaging 20.4 points over her last seven games, including a 21-point performance in a loss to James Madison on Jan. 29.

Both defenses have faced significant challenges. Akron allows an average of 76.2 points per game, while Louisiana-Lafayette surrenders 81.7. The Zips will look to exploit a Cajuns defense that has allowed 95 or more points three times in the last month. Conversely, Akron’s defense must contain the high-volume shooting of Manley.

This contest represents one of the final opportunities for each team to secure a nonconference victory before returning to their respective league slates. For Akron, it’s a chance to build a winning streak at home. For Louisiana-Lafayette, it’s an opportunity to find a road win against a similarly ranked opponent.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.