LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A surging UC Santa Barbara looks to solidify its Big West standing when it visits struggling Cal State Northridge in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup Thursday night at the Matadome. The Gauchos (17-7) enter on a two-game win streak and sit near the top of the conference, while the Matadors (8-15) seek to halt a slide that has seen them lose four of their last five. UC Santa Barbara boasts a potent offense, averaging over 68 points per game in its last five contests. The team is led by guard Zoe Borter, who is coming off an 18-point, three-rebound, three-assist performance in a 63-54 victory over Cal Poly on Feb. 14. Borter has scored in double figures in six of her last eight games, including a 24-point outing last month. Cal State Northridge will counter with forward Jite Gbemuotor, who has been a bright spot. She scored 19 points and blocked two shots in the team’s most recent game, a 63-54 loss at Hawaii. Gbemuotor has averaged 13.8 points over her last four appearances where she saw significant minutes. The previous meeting this season heavily favors the Gauchos, who routed the Matadors 88-70 in Santa Barbara on Jan. 3. UC Santa Barbara’s recent form, including wins in three of its last four, suggests a similar challenge for the home team. Cal State Northridge has found consistency elusive, alternating wins and losses over its past six games. Defense may be the key for an upset. The Matadors held opponents under 55 points in their two February wins, but surrendered 82 and 68 points in late January losses. Containing Borter and the balanced Gaucho attack, which saw Olivia Bradley and Madison Naro also contribute significantly in the win over Cal Poly, will be paramount. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The game continues a critical late-season stretch for both teams as the Big West tournament approaches.