It's a tale of two teams on Friday night as the red-hot Winnipeg Wesmen host the University of Victoria Vikes women's basketball team on Friday Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. (PST)

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It is arguably a must-win game for the 5-7 Vikes, currently tied for fourth spot and out of the playoff picture in the Pacific Division.

Meanwhile, Winnipeg (7-5) has won three straight to move into a tie for fourth spot in the Canada West Prairie Division, likely putting themselves into a spot to vie for a playoff berth when the season ends in February.

What happens on the court in Winnipeg on Friday night could have a major impact on the playoff future for both teams.

The Wesmen boast the best defence in the Canada West, allowing a conference low average of 57 points per game, and are the best offensive rebounding team in the conference averaging 16.4 a game.

Winnipeg's Yael Kaplan of is tied for 21st in the Canada West averaging 11.7 points per game, but it's been Amy Ogidan's outstanding shot-blocking (1.2 BPG, T-3 Canada West) and rebounding (7.1 RPG, 7th Canada West) that has given the Wesmen an edge as of late - 34 of her 85 rebounds have come on the offensive glass.

#Debbie Yeboah# of Winnipeg continues to be the Vikes top scorer (14.5 PPG, 7th in Canada West), and returning to her hometown for two important games this weekend will only add inspiration. #Jessica Renfrew# of Victoria is the next-best UVic scorer averaging 11.3 points per game, while #Chelsea McMullen# of Prince George has been inspirational lately, leading the Vikes offence and making great second efforts in the paint.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Vikes face a struggling Manitoba team, as the Bisons women enter the weekend on a six-game losing skid. On paper, the streak should move to seven games as Manitoba faces the powerhouse UBC Thunderbirds (8-2) on Friday night.

Mubo Ilelaboye is the Bisons top scorer, averaging 12 points per game (T-18th in Canada West).

SCOUTING THE WESMEN
Record: 7-5, T-4th Prairie Division, Canada West
Recent Games: Three-game winning steak with victories over Brandon (71-25 and 63-47) and UBC-Okanagan (76-64)
2011-12 Wins: Brandon (2), UBC-Okanagan (1), Manitoba (2), Lethbridge (2)
2011-12 Losses: Trinity Western (1), Fraser Valley (1), Alberta (2), Thompson Rivers (1)
Did you know: The Wesmen are currently tied with Calgary for the final playoff spot in the Prairie Division but face teams with .500 or better records following Friday's UVic game
Remaining Games:
Jan. 20 vs UVic
Jan. 21 vs UBC
Jan. 27 and 28 vs. Regina
Feb. 3 and 4 vs Saskatchewan
Feb. 10 and 11 vs. Calgary

SCOUTING THE BISONS
Record: 3-9, 6th Prairie Division, Canada West
Recent Games: Six-game losing streak with losses to Regina (105-52, 84-60), Thompson Rivers (67-49), UBC-Okanagan (74-61), Winnipeg (56-42, 72-53)
2011-12 Wins: Brandon (2), Trinity Western (1)
2011-12 Losses: Regina (2), Thompson River (1), UBC-Okanagan (1), Winnipeg (2), Fraser Valley (1), Alberta (2)
Did you know: The Bisons have not won at home this season (0-5)
Remaining Games:
Jan. 20 vs. UBC
Jan. 21 vs. UVic
Jan. 27 and 28 vs Lethbridge
Feb. 2 and 3 vs Calgary
Feb. 10 and 11 v Saskatchewan