IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC Irvine women’s basketball team will look to extend its dominant start to the season when it hosts Cal State Bakersfield in a Big West Conference opener on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters (11-2) enter conference play as one of the league’s hottest teams, riding a seven-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a 93-72 road rout of UTEP on Dec. 18, powered by a career-high 36 points from standout guard Hunter Hernandez. Over her last five games, Hernandez is averaging 24.6 points, showcasing the explosive scoring that has fueled UC Irvine’s offense. The Anteaters’ only losses this season came on the road at Idaho State and in a neutral-site game against Saint Thomas (Minn.). Cal State Bakersfield (5-7) seeks to build momentum after snapping a two-game skid with an 85-72 home win over Eastern Washington on Dec. 20. The Roadrunners have shown resilience, winning three of their last five, but face a steep challenge in their conference opener. Guard Marley Langi, coming off a 19-point performance against Eastern Washington, will be a key factor. Langi has been inconsistent, however, scoring just nine total points in the three games preceding her recent outburst. The matchup pits one of the Big West’s most potent offenses against a Roadrunners squad that has struggled at times to score. UC Irvine has surpassed 77 points in six of its last seven games, while Cal State Bakersfield was held under 60 points in three of its seven losses. Containing Hernandez will be the primary defensive task for the Roadrunners, who will need Langi and contributors like Chrishawn Coleman (15 points vs. Eastern Washington) to provide efficient scoring. Thursday’s contest marks the beginning of the conference slate for both teams. UC Irvine aims to establish itself as an early frontrunner, while Cal State Bakersfield hopes to spring an upset on the road and redefine its season. Tipoff is set for Thursday afternoon in Irvine.