CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Chattanooga squad will look to extend its winning streak when it hosts a Mercer team seeking to steady itself in Southern Conference women’s basketball play Friday night at McKenzie Arena. The Lady Mocs (13-5) have won five consecutive games, all in conference play, and sit atop the league standings. Mercer (12-8) has dropped three of its last four, including a narrow 67-64 home loss to Wofford last Saturday. Chattanooga’s success has been fueled by guard Caia Elisaldez, who is coming off a dominant 22-point, 5-assist performance in a win at Western Carolina. Over the last five games, she has averaged 14.6 points and 5.2 assists while logging heavy minutes. Mercer will counter with forward Nahawa Diarra, who scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the loss to Wofford. Diarra has been inconsistent lately but capable of explosive outings, such as a 17-point game at UNC Greensboro on Jan. 10. The Lady Mocs have been defined by defensive toughness during their streak, holding opponents to an average of 47.8 points over the five wins. Mercer’s offense has struggled at times, failing to reach 65 points in three of its last four contests. Chattanooga won both meetings last season. The teams will meet again in Macon, Georgia, on Feb. 28. Friday’s contest tips off a critical stretch for the Bears, who play four of their next five on the road. Chattanooga begins a two-game homestand looking to solidify its conference position. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. EST start.