CONWAY, Ark. (Interstat) — A pivotal ASUN Conference women’s basketball matchup awaits Monday night at the Farris Center as the surging North Alabama Lions visit the Central Arkansas Bears. Both teams enter with nearly identical records and momentum. North Alabama (12-10) has won four straight, including a 71-55 road victory at Queens (N.C.) on Saturday. Central Arkansas (13-10) has won two consecutive games, most recently a 60-47 home win over Lipscomb. The contest features two of the league’s premier scorers. North Alabama is led by guard Alexsandra Alvarado, who is averaging 21.4 points over her last seven games. She poured in 23 points with four rebounds and four assists in Saturday’s win. Her season-high 37-point outburst in a win at Jacksonville on Jan. 17 underscores her explosive capability. Central Arkansas counters with guard Cheyanne Kemp, who has been a consistent force. She scored 17 points with six rebounds in the win over Lipscomb and delivered a 26-point performance in a rout of Queens last Wednesday. Kemp has scored in double figures in six of her last seven outings. In Saturday’s win, North Alabama also saw strong contributions from Jazzy Klinge (10 points, eight rebounds) and India Howard (18 points, five rebounds). Central Arkansas’ victory was a balanced effort, with Bree Stephens adding 14 points and seven rebounds and Shae Littleford contributing 14 points and five assists alongside Kemp. The Lions’ current win streak has been built on defense, holding three of their last four opponents to 55 points or fewer. The Bears have shown similar defensive prowess lately, holding their last two foes to an average of 43 points. With both teams jockeying for position in the ASUN standings ahead of the conference tournament, Monday’s result could carry significant weight. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Florence, Alabama, on Feb. 25. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST at the Farris Center.