By Shannon Russell
Cincinnati Enquirer

As conference races heat up, the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University women's basketball teams hit the road for a pair of high-stakes games.

UC looks to preserve its No. 2 standing in Conference USA when it plays at Louisville at 3 p.m. Sunday. The game will be televised on Channel 25.

The Bearcats, (17-5, 7-2 C-USA) trail undefeated Charlotte (8-0) in the conference.

UC, which defeated Louisville 67-48 at Shoemaker Center on Jan. 11, seeks a two-game sweep of the Cardinals.

Xavier ranks second in the Atlantic 10 behind West Division leader George Washington (9-1). With heat from Duquesne (6-4), Dayton (6-5) and Richmond (6-5), a win could ensure a stronger hold on the No. 2 spot for XU.

The Musketeers (16-7, 8-4 A-10) play at LaSalle at 1 p.m. Saturday. They defeated the Explorers 73-54 on Jan. 12 at Cintas Center.

After Sunday, Cincinnati will have four more conference games. The Bearcats, defending conference tournament champions, play in the C-USA tournament in Memphis, Tenn., March 6-9.

Xavier has three more Atlantic 10 matchups after Saturday. The Musketeers travel to Rhode Island March 6-10 for the A-10 Tournament.