NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Lindenwood squad looks to continue its push atop the Ohio Valley Conference standings when it visits struggling Tennessee State in a women’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. The Lions (20-7) enter the Howard Gentry Complex having won seven of their last eight games, including a 78-67 victory over Southeast Missouri State last Saturday. They currently sit second in the OVC. The host Tigers (4-21) have lost three straight and 10 of their last 11, seeking a reversal of fortune in the final stretch of the season. Lindenwood dominated the first meeting this season, a 91-58 home win on Jan. 24. Brooke Coffey led the way with 24 points and six rebounds in just 26 minutes for the Lions. The junior guard has been a consistent force, averaging a double-double of 15.5 points and 10.0 rebounds over her last two contests. Her 17-point, 13-rebound performance against SEMO highlighted a versatile skillset that Tennessee State must contain. Tennessee State will rely on forward Somah Kamara, who scored 13 points in the January loss to Lindenwood. Kamara is coming off an 18-point, six-rebound effort in the Tigers’ 79-53 loss to Morehead State. Her production is a key indicator for Tennessee State, which has struggled offensively, failing to reach 60 points in 10 of its last 12 games. The Lions’ offense, averaging 74.2 points per game in conference play, will test a Tigers defense allowing a league-worst 78.4 points per game in OVC contests. Lindenwood’s balanced attack, featuring Coffey and Aleshia Jones (22 points vs. SEMO), presents a significant challenge. A Lindenwood win would solidify its position near the top of the conference ahead of a quick turnaround at Tennessee Tech on Saturday. Tennessee State aims to salvage a split of the season series before hosting SIU Edwardsville on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CST.