LAFAYETTE, La. (Interstat) — Two Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball teams heading in opposite directions will meet Friday night when the Appalachian State Mountaineers visit the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at the Cajundome. Appalachian State (8-10) seeks to halt a three-game skid, while Louisiana-Lafayette (2-17) looks to build on a rare victory. The Mountaineers are projected as solid favorites, with National Statistical’s ELO system giving them a 64.9% probability to win. The Mountaineers are led by guard Emma Smith, who has been a consistent performer despite the team’s recent struggles. Over her last seven games, Smith is averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest. She posted a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in a win over Southern Mississippi on Jan. 10. In Appalachian State’s most recent outing, a 63-49 loss at Texas State on Wednesday, Smith led the team with 14 points in 38 minutes. The Ragin’ Cajuns, meanwhile, are coming off just their second win of the season, a 69-66 home victory over Coastal Carolina on Wednesday. That win snapped a six-game losing streak. Sophomore guard Mikaylah Manley was instrumental, erupting for a career-high 25 points. She has been a bright spot, averaging 12.5 points per game over her last eight contests, including a 20-point effort in a loss to Louisiana-Monroe on Jan. 17. Appalachian State has faced a tough stretch, with five of its last six games on the road. Friday’s contest begins a critical two-game road swing before returning home. Louisiana-Lafayette will look to defend its home court before embarking on a four-game road trip starting next week. Historically, the Mountaineers have relied on a stronger defensive effort, while the Ragin’ Cajuns will hope Manley’s offensive surge can continue and spark an upset. Tipoff is set for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Lafayette.