RICHMOND, Ky. (Interstat) — A clash of ASUN Conference contenders tips off the new year Thursday as the Eastern Kentucky Lady Colonels host the West Georgia Wolves in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup at McBrayer Arena. Eastern Kentucky (9-4) enters with the stronger overall record and looks to build momentum after a 70-52 home victory over Hampton on Monday. The Lady Colonels have been formidable in Richmond, boasting a 6-1 record at home this season. Their success hinges on forward Liz Freihofer, who is coming off a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double against Hampton. Freihofer has been a consistent force, averaging 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. West Georgia (7-4) counters with a potent offensive weapon in guard Jasmine Jones. The Wolves’ standout is averaging 17.1 points per game in her last seven contests, including a 20-point performance in Sunday’s 81-46 rout of Brewton-Parker. Jones’ scoring prowess will be critical for a Wolves squad that has shown volatility, suffering double-digit losses to power conference foes Florida and Oregon but also posting dominant wins, including a 116-21 victory over Wesleyan. The game marks the conference opener for both teams and sets an early tone in the ASUN race. Eastern Kentucky’s defense, which has held opponents to an average of 58.2 points in its nine wins, will be tested by Jones and West Georgia’s supporting cast, including Asia Donald and Grace O’Gara, who combined for 28 points in the last outing. West Georgia seeks its first true road win against a Division I opponent this season, having lost at Florida, South Carolina State and Georgia Tech. Eastern Kentucky aims to protect its home court and improve to 10-4. Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The teams will meet again in Carrollton, Georgia, on Jan. 29.