FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big West Conference women’s basketball matchup featuring the league’s top team and one of its hottest players is set for Saturday when UC Irvine visits Cal State Fullerton. The Anteaters (19-4, 9-2 Big West) enter Titan Gymnasium with the conference’s best overall record and a firm hold on first place. They are coming off a dominant 63-41 win over UC Santa Barbara last Saturday, where Shirel Nahum scored 12 points. UC Irvine’s defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to 54.2 points per game. However, the Titans (14-9, 7-4) present a formidable challenge, especially on their home floor. Cal State Fullerton has won six of its last seven games, a surge fueled by the spectacular play of guard Cristina Jones. The standout senior is averaging 24.3 points over her last three contests, including a 35-point, 50-minute performance in a double-overtime road win at Cal State Bakersfield on Feb. 7. This game is a rematch of a Jan. 3 meeting in Irvine, which the Anteaters won 64-51. In that game, UC Irvine’s defense limited Jones to 11 points. The key matchup will be how UC Irvine’s staunch defense, which allows a conference-low 36.2% shooting from the field, contends with Jones’ offensive explosion. For the Titans, slowing Nahum and the balanced Anteater attack, which features multiple scoring threats, will be critical. A Fullerton victory would tighten the conference standings and complete a season split. An Irvine win would solidify its first-place position and sweep the regular-season series. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Titan Gymnasium.