HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University women's basketball team continues to be one of the nation's top defensive squads, ranking in the top 10 among all Division I teams in two major categories in Monday's updated rankings.

Through games as of Jan. 27, the Lady Pirates (15-5, 6-0 MEAC) are seventh among all Div. I teams in scoring defense, holding opponents to 49.6 points per game. Hampton has held 12 of its last 13 opponents under 60 points – including a 41-point output from Norfolk State on Saturday.

The Lady Pirates are also holding opponents to just 32.7 percent shooting (343-for-1,049) from the floor, ranking eighth nationally. Hampton has held two of its last three opponents under 30-percent shooting, and Norfolk State shot just 28.6 percent (16-for-56) on Saturday.

Hampton is also 21st in the nation in turnover margin (+5.6) and 35th in scoring margin, beating opponents by an average of 12.6 points per game.

In all, the Lady Pirates have won six straight games and 11 of their last 13.

Senior forward Keiara Avant (Chesapeake, Va.) is represented in the individual rankings; her 12 double-doubles so far this season are the 12th-most in the nation – she had 15 points and 10 rebounds against the Spartans on Saturday and has five straight double-doubles.

Avant's 10.0 rebounds per game, on top of ranking second in the MEAC, place her 42nd nationally.

The Lady Pirates will return to action on Monday, when they take on rival Howard at the HU Convocation Center at 7 p.m. For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.