LONG BEACH, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Cal State Northridge squad looks to continue its climb in the Big West standings when it visits struggling Long Beach State on Saturday at Walter Pyramid. The Matadors (16-10, 8-5 Big West) have won five of their last six games, including an 84-60 rout of Hawaii last Saturday. They sit in a tie for third place in the conference. The 49ers (8-18, 3-10), meanwhile, have lost six consecutive games and are tied for last. Northridge is powered by guard Larry Hughes, who is averaging 21 points per game during the team’s recent hot stretch. He scored 27 points in 28 minutes against Hawaii and poured in a season-high 32 in a 97-96 win at Cal Poly on Feb. 5. He will be the primary focus for a Long Beach State defense that has allowed an average of 78 points during its losing streak. The 49ers will counter with guard Gavin Sykes, their leading scorer in conference play. Sykes is coming off an 18-point, 4-rebound effort in a 71-54 loss at UC Davis last Saturday. He will need support from a roster that has struggled with consistency, particularly on offense where they have failed to reach 75 points in five of their last six outings. This is a rematch of a Jan. 17 meeting in Northridge, which Long Beach State won 87-80. In that game, the 49ers shot 52% from the field and withstood a 22-point effort from Hughes. The Matadors have since found a more reliable formula, winning with strong offensive outputs and improved defense. Their current streak includes four wins by 13 or more points. For Long Beach State, the Pyramid has offered little refuge, as the team has lost four of its last five home games. A Northridge victory would solidify its position for a first-round bye in the upcoming Big West tournament. A Long Beach State win would provide a crucial respite from its skid and a season sweep of its regional rival. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.