PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — A surging East Carolina women’s basketball team looks to continue its push atop the American Athletic Conference when it visits Temple on Saturday. The Pirates (18-7) have won five of their last six games, including a 65-61 road victory at Tulane on Tuesday. They sit in stark contrast to the host Owls (10-13), who have dropped three straight and seven of their last 10. East Carolina dominated the first meeting this season, an 81-65 home win on Jan. 17. Pirates guard Kennedy Fauntleroy was instrumental in that victory, scoring 27 points and dishing eight assists. Fauntleroy enters this rematch in stellar form, averaging 20.3 points and 5.0 assists over her last three contests. She poured in 23 points in Tuesday’s win at Tulane. Temple will counter with guard Saniyah Craig, who scored 14 points in the January loss. Craig is coming off a 13-point performance in a 52-43 loss at Texas-San Antonio, a game where the Owls’ offense struggled mightily. Temple has failed to reach 70 points in four consecutive games. The matchup hinges on tempo and defense. East Carolina’s recent success is built on efficient offense and staunch defense, holding opponents to 61 points or fewer in four of their last five wins. Temple must find a way to generate consistent scoring beyond Craig to keep pace. A win would solidify East Carolina’s position in the conference race, while Temple seeks a crucial home upset to halt its skid. Tipoff is set for Saturday at the Liacouras Center.