LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A surging UC Davis looks to continue its strong start when it visits a struggling Cal State Northridge squad to open the Big West Conference women’s basketball schedule on Thursday, Jan. 1. The Aggies (8-4) enter with a winning record built on offensive consistency, having scored at least 68 points in seven of their victories. Their most recent outing was a defensive struggle, a 57-47 home loss to Northern Colorado on Dec. 20. Guard Ryann Bennett, the team’s focal point, scored 13 points in that contest. Bennett averages 14.8 points and 4.3 assists per game over her last four, including an 18-point effort in a close road loss to Gonzaga. Cal State Northridge (5-6) seeks to halt a two-game skid after falling 69-63 at Pepperdine on Dec. 20. The Matadors have faced defensive challenges, allowing 77 and 72 points in losses to Northern Arizona and UC Irvine earlier in December. Guard Rita Nazario leads the team’s backcourt, coming off a 16-point performance against Pepperdine. She erupted for a season-high 20 points in a win over San Jose State on Dec. 13. UC Davis boasts a more potent offense, averaging 71.2 points per game in its eight wins compared to Northridge’s season average of 66.5. The Aggies’ balance was on display in their Dec. 14 win over Chico State, where they cruised to a 74-42 victory. The Matadors will need to contain Bennett and center Megan Norris, who provides an interior presence. This conference opener at the Matadome presents a contrast in momentum. UC Davis aims to leverage its efficient scoring against a Northridge team desperate to defend its home court and rectify recent defensive lapses. The outcome may hinge on whether the Matadors can disrupt the Aggies’ rhythm and find consistent scoring beyond Nazario. The teams will meet again in Davis on Jan. 29.