(Interstat) — A stark contrast in early season trajectories will be on display Thursday when the surging UC Santa Barbara women’s basketball team visits struggling Long Beach State in a nonconference matchup. The Gauchos (6-1) have won six straight games since a season-opening loss to UCLA, most recently edging Chattanooga 66-64 on Saturday. Olivia Bradley scored 17 points and Zoe Borter added 15 in the victory. UC Santa Barbara’s defense has been dominant during its streak, holding four opponents under 50 points. Long Beach State (0-6) is still searching for its first win after a 71-55 loss at Oregon State on Nov. 23. Rosie Akot recorded a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double in that contest, while JaQuoia Jones-Brown scored a team-high 16 points. The 49ers have been held to 60 points or fewer in five of their six defeats. Tipoff is set for Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California. The game is a prelude to Big West Conference play, which begins for both teams in January.