DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — Two Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Drake Bulldogs host the Indiana State Sycamores at the Knapp Center. The matchup features teams with nearly identical struggles this season. Indiana State (8-16) enters with a three-game losing streak, most recently falling 91-79 at Northern Iowa on Thursday. Drake (6-17) has lost five straight, with its last outing a 77-70 defeat at Illinois State on Feb. 7. The Bulldogs won the first meeting this season decisively, 97-77, in Terre Haute on Dec. 17. A key matchup will be Indiana State guard Tierney Kelsey against Drake’s Ava Hawthorne. Kelsey is coming off a career-high 27-point performance in 39 minutes against Northern Iowa, showcasing her ability to carry the offensive load. Over her last five games, she is averaging 14.6 points. Hawthorne has been a steady presence for Drake. She led the Bulldogs with 14 points, 4 assists and 2 blocks in their last game against Illinois State. Her backcourt play will be crucial in disrupting Indiana State’s rhythm and generating offense for a team that has been held under 70 points in three of its last five contests. Both teams have found wins hard to secure in conference play. Indiana State’s last victory was a 78-75 road win at Evansville on Feb. 1. Drake’s most recent win was a 97-82 home victory over Evansville on Jan. 23. The game represents a critical opportunity for either squad to halt its skid and build confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Defense may prove the difference; the Sycamores have allowed an average of 90 points during their three-game losing streak, while the Bulldogs have struggled to consistently score during their longer slide. Tip-off is set for Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Des Moines.