EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In three seasons in the Ohio Valley Conference, Little Rock has won its league opener each year, but the Trojans have started 2–0 only once, during the inaugural season. On Thursday night, Little Rock will have another chance to begin OVC play unbeaten when it visits Southern Indiana. Tip-off at Liberty Arena is set for 5 p.m. CT.
The Trojans are coming off a 76–63 win over Morehead State to open conference play, while Southern Indiana (6–2) presents a tougher challenge in its OVC opener after posting back-to-back victories.
Fans can catch Thursday night's action on 106.7 Buz2 with Trey Schaap on the call, and the game will also be streamed on ESPN+.
GAME INFO
Who: Little Rock (4-6) at USI (6-2)
When: 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18
Where: Liberty Arena (4,500), Evansville, Ind.
Radio: 106.7 Buz2 (Trey Schaap, pxp) Listen
HERE.
Video: ESPN+ Watch
HERE.
SERIES HISTORY
•Little Rock leads the series 4-3 that began in 2023 when the Trojans joined the OVC.
•The Trojans swept the regular-season series last year, but USI won a third game in the OVC Tournament.
COACH SPEAK
"Tuesday night's win was big for us. Anytime you can open conference play with a road win, it's important. Now we need to build on that momentum and get ready for a very good Southern Indiana team. They're playing well this year and are always well coached. It will be a tough early challenge, but we'll be ready."
-Steve Wiedower, Little Rock Head Coach
TROJAN TIDBITS
- Brenna Burk turned in a career night Tuesday, easily surpassing her previous high by scoring 21 points while playing all but one minute. The Russellville, Ark., native went 5-of-10 from three-point range and added three rebounds. Her previous career high was 14, set in her collegiate debut last season and matched earlier this year.
- Jordan Holman recorded season highs across the board in Tuesday's win, finishing with 25 points, 36 minutes, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
- Mya Cotto has now scored at least 11 points in three straight games. She hit two three-pointers and played 34 minutes Tuesday after posting a season-high 13 points in the opener against CBC.
- Little Rock attempted 24 three-pointers, connecting on 10 (40 percent) in Tuesday's victory.
- The Trojans return home Monday, Dec. 22, to face NCAA Division III Hendrix College at 5 p.m. The men will play NAIA prorgarm Williams Baptist in the nightcap. Tickets are available at LRTrojans.com.
SCOUTING THE SCREAMING EAGLES
- Head coach Rick Stein is one of the OVC's most successful coaches, owning a 477–276 record in 26 seasons. USI reached the WNIT two years ago and won 20 games last season.
- Southern Indiana defeated Fisk 95–18 on Nov. 25.
- The Screaming Eagles enter the matchup off back-to-back home wins over East Tennessee State and Middle Tennessee State.
- USI's only losses this season are a two-point home loss to Murray State (79–77) and an overtime setback at Northern Kentucky (77–71).
- Three players average double figures in scoring: Sophia Loden (14.6 ppg), Ali Saunders (14.0), and Chloe Gannon (13.1).
- Loden leads the team in rebounding at nine per game.
- Sisters Chloe and Channah Gannon, both from Manchester, Tenn., provide a strong inside presence. Chloe, a 6-foot-2 junior, appeared in 32 games last season, while Channah, a 6-foot-4 freshman, made an immediate impact with 16 points and 10 rebounds in her collegiate debut against Middle Tennessee.
