EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal Southland Conference women’s basketball matchup features two of the league’s top performers when Northwestern State visits Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Thursday. The game at UT Pan Am Fieldhouse pits the surging Vaqueros (17-11, 9-4 Southland) against the .500 Demons (13-13, 7-6), who are looking to build momentum for the conference tournament. UTRGV, sitting near the top of the league standings, enters on a high note after a dominant 77-54 road win at Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday. The Vaqueros are powered by forward Charlotte O’Keefe, who is coming off a monstrous 23-point, 19-rebound performance. Over her last eight games, O’Keefe has averaged a double-double, showcasing her all-around game with consistent scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Northwestern State snapped a three-game skid with a 70-64 home victory over Houston Christian last Saturday. The Demons rely heavily on the dynamic scoring of guard Vernell Atamah, who poured in 21 points in that win. Atamah has been on a tear, averaging 21.4 points over her last eight contests, including a 33-point outburst against Incarnate Word on Feb. 19. The Vaqueros won the first meeting this season, 61-55, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on Jan. 8. Containing O’Keefe, who had 13 points and 13 rebounds in that victory, will be a primary focus for the Demons’ defense. For UTRGV, maintaining its defensive intensity will be key after holding its last opponent to 54 points. For Northwestern State, finding consistent secondary scoring behind Atamah could be the difference in securing a crucial road win and season split. Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Edinburg.