SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Interstat) — A surging Bryant squad looks to rebound from its first losing streak of the season when it hosts a Holy Cross team seeking consistency on Sunday in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup. The Bulldogs (7-2) saw a seven-game win streak snapped with consecutive road losses at Providence and Yale this past week. Prior to that, they had won every game by double digits since a season-opening victory. Holy Cross (3-5) has alternated wins and losses over its last six games and is coming off a 46-61 defeat at Harvard on Wednesday. Bryant’s success has been built on defense, holding opponents to an average of 56.2 points per game. Guard Mimi Rubino leads the offensive charge, averaging 13.6 points. She scored 18 in the loss to Yale. Forward Maranda Nyborg, who added 14 points against the Bulldogs, provides a key interior presence. For Holy Cross, the focus will be on containing that duo while finding offensive rhythm beyond standout guard Meg Cahalan. The Crusaders average just 58.8 points per game and have been held under 50 twice in their last five outings. Cahalan has been a bright spot, scoring in double figures in every game this season and averaging 18.9 points. She dropped 20 points and grabbed six rebounds in Holy Cross’s most recent win, a 64-45 victory over New Hampshire on Nov. 30. History slightly favors the home team; Bryant holds a 4-3 edge in the all-time series, though the programs have not met since 2017. The Bulldogs’ strong start marks their best through nine games in recent seasons, while the Crusaders aim to climb back to .500 before Patriot League play begins later this month. Tipoff at the Chace Athletic Center is set for Sunday afternoon. Bryant travels to Boston College on Tuesday, while Holy Cross hosts Vermont on Dec. 16.