HIGH POINT, N.C. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big South women’s basketball showdown is set for Wednesday when the first-place High Point Panthers host the surging Longwood Lancers at Qubein Arena. The Panthers (21-3 overall), who sit atop the conference standings, look to bounce back from a rare stumble, a 72-57 loss at Radford on Feb. 7 that snapped a seven-game win streak. High Point, led by standout Anna Hager, had been dominant in league play prior to that defeat. Hager scored 26 points in the loss and has been a consistent force, averaging 12.7 points over her last seven games. They face a Lancers squad (17-6) that has won five of its last six, including a 72-60 victory over UNC Asheville on Feb. 7. Longwood’s recent success has been fueled by Frances Ulysse, who is coming off a 13-point, 8-rebound performance and averaged 16 points in three games last week. This matchup is a rematch of a Jan. 17 meeting in Farmville, Va., where High Point secured a 68-54 victory. In that game, the Panthers held Ulysse to six points. Containing her again will be a key focus for High Point’s defense. Longwood’s offense has been potent, scoring 88 and 100 points in recent wins, but will be tested by a Panthers defense that has held 10 opponents under 60 points this season. High Point’s home record at Qubein Arena has been a significant advantage. The outcome will have major implications for the Big South tournament seeding. A Longwood win would tighten the conference race, while a High Point victory would solidify its hold on first place. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.