PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — A surging Drexel squad will look to continue its climb in the conference standings when it hosts a struggling Hampton team in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Friday night at Daskalakis Athletic Center. The Dragons (13-7) have won five of their last six games, including a 65-56 road victory at Northeastern last Sunday. Laine McGurk led the way in that win, scoring 24 points and grabbing five rebounds. The guard has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.3 points over her last three contests. Hampton (9-12) arrives in Philadelphia looking to halt a two-game skid, most recently a 62-57 home loss to North Carolina A&T. The Pirates have found wins scarce, dropping seven of their last ten games. Their success often hinges on the performance of guard Kiarra Mcelrath, who poured in 23 points in the loss to A&T and has scored 20 or more in three of her last seven outings. The matchup features a contrast in momentum. Drexel’s recent run has been built on defense, holding opponents to an average of 49.2 points during their five wins in this stretch. Hampton has been prone to offensive droughts, failing to reach 60 points in four of its last five losses. For the Pirates, containing McGurk will be a primary concern, while Drexel must account for Mcelrath’s scoring bursts. Support play could be decisive; Drexel’s Amaris Baker is coming off a 21-point performance, while Hampton will need more production beyond Mcelrath after only one other player scored more than six points last game. This contest is the first of a regular-season series, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 20 in Hampton, Virginia. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Friday.