LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A pivotal Big West Conference clash with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the UC Irvine Anteaters visit the Cal State Northridge Matadors at the Matadome. Both teams enter with identical 18-10 overall records, making this a critical matchup for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament. The Anteaters aim to bounce back from a narrow 71-69 home loss to UC San Diego last Saturday. Meanwhile, the Matadors arrive on a six-game winning streak, their latest a 78-76 road victory at Long Beach State. The head-to-head series favors UC Irvine, which dominated the first meeting this season, an 85-71 win in Irvine on Dec. 6. Replicating that performance on the road will be the challenge against a surging Northridge squad. The game features a compelling duel at guard. UC Irvine’s Jurian Dixon is a consistent scoring threat, averaging 16.1 points over his last seven games, including a 22-point effort in the recent loss. Cal State Northridge’s Josiah Davis, however, has been on a historic tear, orchestrating the Matadors’ streak with remarkable all-around play. Over his last seven contests, Davis has averaged 16.1 points and 9.4 assists, recording four double-doubles and a 31-point, 7-assist performance in overtime at UC Santa Barbara. For UC Irvine, containing Davis will be paramount. The Anteaters have shown resilience on the road this season, including a win at Long Beach State, but have alternated wins and losses in their last five outings. Cal State Northridge has found its rhythm in close games, winning three times by three points or fewer during its streak, and will rely on its home court and dynamic guard play to continue its ascent. The outcome will significantly reshape the conference standings, with both teams looking to solidify their position ahead of the final stretch of regular-season play. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST on Thursday, Feb. 26.