Preview: Lamar Lady Cardinals at Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal Southland Conference women’s basketball clash is set for Thursday when the Lamar Lady Cardinals visit the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at UT Pan Am Fieldhouse. Both teams enter with winning records and momentum from recent victories. The Vaqueros (15-9 overall) have won five straight, including a 71-53 road win at New Orleans on Saturday. The Lady Cardinals (14-8) look to bounce back from a narrow 58-57 loss at Stephen F. Austin that same day. The matchup features a compelling contrast in recent form and star power. UTRGV is powered by forward Charlotte O’Keefe, who is playing at an All-Conference level. During the five-game win streak, O’Keefe has averaged 16.4 points and 14.2 rebounds, including a 19-point, 22-rebound performance at Houston Christian on Jan. 24. Her inside presence will be a primary focus for Lamar’s defense. Lamar will counter with forward Chisom Oguego, a key contributor during the Lady Cardinals’ 7-2 run prior to the SFA loss. Oguego posted a double-double of 10 rebounds and four points in that defeat and has been a consistent presence on the boards. Supporting scorers like Kamryn Wilson, who had 14 points against SFA, will need to provide offensive punch. The teams met earlier this season in Beaumont, Texas, with Lamar securing a 67-59 win on Dec. 2. UTRGV will seek to defend its home court and avenge that loss while extending its winning streak. Lamar aims to split the season series and solidify its conference standing. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST on Thursday, Feb. 12. UTRGV next hosts Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, while Lamar travels to face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.