MORAGA, Calif. (Interstat) — The Saint Mary’s Gaels, riding a four-game winning streak, will host the Portland Pilots in a West Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup Sunday at McKeon Pavilion. Saint Mary’s (9-4) has found its footing in December, winning its last four contests by an average of 7.3 points following a 33-79 road loss to Southern California on Dec. 2. The Gaels’ most recent victory was a 70-59 decision over New Mexico State on Dec. 20, led by Abigail Shoff’s 14 points and six rebounds. Portland (6-6) enters following a dominant 98-53 road win at Portland State on Dec. 21, but has alternated wins and losses over its past six games. The Pilots’ conference opener on Dec. 6 resulted in an 87-53 home loss to BYU. A key matchup will feature productive forwards. Saint Mary’s relies on Shoff, who averaged 9.4 points and 4.2 rebounds over her last five games. Portland counters with Tiffany Barbosa, coming off a strong all-around performance of 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block in 25 minutes against Portland State. The Gaels have defended their home court well, posting a 5-1 record at McKeon Pavilion this season. Their defense has been a hallmark during the streak, holding opponents to 56.0 points per game in that span. Portland, which averages 71.2 points per game, will test that defense. Beyond Barbosa, the Pilots have shown balanced scoring, with Dyani Ananiev (17 points) and Julia Dalan (13 points) also exciting in the win over Portland State. Historically, Saint Mary’s has controlled the series, winning the last 11 meetings. The teams will meet again in Portland on Jan. 29. This game opens a critical two-game homestand for Saint Mary’s before WCC play intensifies. Portland continues a three-game road trip, facing San Francisco on Dec. 30. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. PST Sunday.