Preview: Cal State Fullerton at UC Santa Barbara Women’s Basketball SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC Santa Barbara women’s basketball team will put its dominant start on the line Thursday when it hosts a streaking Cal State Fullerton squad in a Big West Conference opener at the Thunderdome. The Gauchos (10-1) enter 2026 as one of the nation’s hottest teams, riding a nine-game winning streak since a season-opening loss at then-UCLA. Their lone blemish is an 87-50 defeat to the Bruins. During the streak, UCSB has won by an average margin of 19.2 points, including an 89-63 victory over Eastern Washington in their last outing on Dec. 18. Zoe Borter has been instrumental, averaging 19.0 points over her last four games. She scored 24 points in 32 minutes against Eastern Washington and poured in 25 points at Cal State Bakersfield on Dec. 6. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence and togetherness,“ UCSB coach Bonnie Henrickson said. “But conference play is a different animal. Every team knows you, and every game is a battle.“ The visiting Titans (6-6) have found their rhythm after a slow start, winning three of their last four games. They are coming off a record-setting 110-22 rout of La Sierra on Sunday, where they shot 60% from the field. Cristina Jones led that charge with 25 points and eight rebounds in just 16 minutes. Jones has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 17.8 points over her last four contests. She hit the game-winning shot in an 82-80 victory over Hawaii on Dec. 6 and scored 16 in a narrow 56-55 loss at San Diego. “Chris (Jones) is playing at an all-conference level right now,“ Cal State Fullerton coach Jeff Harada said. “Her efficiency and explosiveness give us a chance every night. We’ve grown a lot since November.“ The matchup pits UCSB’s stifling defense, which allows just 58.5 points per game, against a Fullerton offense averaging 73.2 points during its recent 3-1 stretch. The Gauchos have held seven opponents under 60 points this season. History adds another layer, as the teams will meet again in just four weeks on Jan. 31 at Fullerton. Thursday’s winner will gain early momentum in the Big West race. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at the Thunderdome on the UC Santa Barbara campus.