NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum before the holiday break will meet Friday when the Illinois State Redbirds host the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in a nonconference women’s basketball game at Redbird Arena. The matchup features programs with similar early-season struggles. Illinois State (5-6) has lost four of its last five games, most recently an 85-44 defeat at Nebraska on Dec. 14. Oakland (3-7) has dropped three straight, including a narrow 59-56 loss at Loyola Chicago on Monday. A key battle will be between backcourt standouts. Illinois State will rely on guard Kya Hurt, who is coming off an 18-point performance against the Cornhuskers and has scored in double figures in four of her last seven games. For Oakland, guard Lianna Baxter has been a bright spot, averaging 10.8 points over her last five contests. She led the Golden Grizzlies with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists in the loss to Loyola. Oakland’s recent woes have been tied to offensive inconsistency. After a 68-52 win at Saint Thomas on Nov. 26, the Golden Grizzlies have failed to reach 60 points in three consecutive losses. Defense and rebounding from Angie Smith (10 points, four rebounds, three blocks vs. Loyola) and Filippa Goula (seven rebounds, three assists) will be crucial against the Redbirds. Illinois State has shown a capacity for high-scoring outputs at home, including an 81-75 win over Saint Louis and a 101-point effort against Chicago State. However, they have also been held under 60 points in three of their last four games. Consistency from Hurt and forward Addison Martin, who added 12 points against Nebraska, will be vital. Friday’s contest is the final nonconference tune-up for both sides before each embarks on its respective league schedule after Christmas. Illinois State opens Missouri Valley Conference play on Dec. 29 against Indiana State, while Oakland begins Horizon League action on Jan. 2. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST at Redbird Arena.