SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC Santa Barbara squad looks to continue its strong start when it hosts a struggling Cal State Bakersfield team in a Big West Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Thunderdome. The Gauchos (7-2) enter on a three-game winning streak, including an 84-77 conference victory over Long Beach State on Thursday. UCSB has found success with balance, but freshman wing Zion Sensley has emerged as a key offensive threat. He scored a season-high 20 points in a win over Seattle on Nov. 29 and is averaging 12.3 points over his last three contests. Conversely, the Roadrunners (4-5) are looking to rebound from a disappointing 87-66 road loss at Cal State Northridge on Thursday. Cal State Bakersfield has lost five of its last seven, with all four of its wins coming at home. Its road tests have been particularly challenging, including decisive losses at Mississippi, Florida State and California. The matchup will feature a compelling battle in the paint. The Roadrunners are led by forward Ronald Jessamy, a formidable rim protector who has blocked four shots in a game three times this season. He is coming off a 16-point, four-block performance against CSUN. Containing Jessamy’s defensive presence will be a priority for a UCSB team that prefers to attack the basket. UC Santa Barbara holds a distinct advantage in recent form and on its home floor, where it is 5-1 this season. Cal State Bakersfield is 0-4 in true road games, losing those contests by an average of 19.5 points. The Gauchos won both meetings last season. Saturday’s game tips off at 4 p.m. PST and will be broadcast on ESPN+. It is the second of 18 conference games for both teams as they begin the long march toward the Big West tournament in March.