IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC Irvine looks to solidify its position near the top of the Big West Conference standings when it hosts a struggling Cal State Bakersfield team on Thursday night at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters (15-7, 4-2 Big West) enter the matchup having won three of their last four, including an 87-76 overtime victory over Hawaii last Thursday. They sit just a half-game out of first place in the conference. Meanwhile, the Roadrunners (8-15, 1-6) are mired in a six-game losing streak, most recently falling 80-72 to UC Davis on Jan. 31. UC Irvine won the first meeting this season, 81-77, in Bakersfield on Jan. 1. The Anteaters have been led by the dominant interior presence of forward Kyle Evans. Over his last six games, Evans has averaged 12.3 points and 4.2 blocks, including a 19-point, 7-block performance against Hawaii. His shot-blocking anchors a stout Irvine defense. Cal State Bakersfield will rely on the scoring of guard Mike Price to try and snap its skid. Price is coming off a season-high 24 points in the loss to UC Davis and has averaged 15.2 points over his last five contests. Support from Dailin Smith (19 points vs. UC Davis) and AJ George will be crucial. The Roadrunners have struggled defensively during their losing streak, allowing an average of 86.8 points per game. Containing Evans inside and limiting second-chance opportunities will be a primary concern. UC Irvine, which has won seven of its last nine, has been efficient on both ends, winning close games like its 61-59 victory at UC San Diego on Jan. 24. The game tips off at 7 p.m. PST as part of a full slate of Big West action. UC Irvine travels to UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, while Cal State Bakersfield visits Cal State Fullerton on Feb. 7.