HAMMOND, La. (Interstat) — Two Southland Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Sunday when Northwestern State visits Southeastern Louisiana at the University Center. The Demons (3-4) and Lions (2-4) both enter on losing streaks following tough non-conference road defeats. Northwestern State fell 77-68 to Fort Wayne at home on Nov. 25, while Southeastern Louisiana suffered a 112-47 loss at Baylor on Wednesday. Northwestern State will lean on the hot hand of guard Vernell Atamah. The standout is averaging 20.6 points per game and is coming off a 27-point, three-assist performance in the loss to Fort Wayne. She has scored 19 or more points in four of her last five contests, including a 28-point outing in a win over Arkansas Baptist. Southeastern Louisiana counters with guard Aliyah Collins, who led the team with 15 points at Baylor. Collins is averaging 9.8 points and 3.2 assists per game this season. Her backcourt play will be crucial against a Northwestern State defense that has shown vulnerability, allowing 77 points in its last outing. The Demons’ season has been marked by extremes, posting explosive offensive wins over Ecclesia (108-30) and Arkansas Baptist (103-52) but also a 103-46 loss at Nebraska. The Lions’ two victories came against Texas A&M-Commerce (76-71) and Centenary (105-49), but they have struggled against Power Five competition. This matchup opens a critical stretch for both programs before conference play intensifies in January. The game will be an early indicator of Southland positioning, with each team looking to solidify its identity. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon in Hammond. Following this contest, Northwestern State travels to McNeese State on Dec. 15, while Southeastern Louisiana visits Houston Christian on Dec. 12.