SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big West women’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Saturday when the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos host the Hawaii Warriors at the Thunderdome. The Gauchos (17-7 overall) enter the contest with a stronger record, but the Warriors (14-10) arrive with momentum and a recent victory over UCSB. Hawaii defeated UC Santa Barbara 67-50 in Honolulu on Jan. 17, handing the Gauchos one of their more lopsided conference losses this season. Both teams are coming off home victories last Saturday. Hawaii edged Cal State Northridge 63-54 behind a standout performance from forward Imani Perez, who scored 18 points and blocked three shots. UC Santa Barbara defeated Cal Poly 63-54, led by guard Zoe Borter’s 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Perez has been a key two-way force for Hawaii. In her last six games, she has averaged 11.8 points and multiple blocks, including a 15-point effort in a win over Long Beach State. Her interior presence will be critical against a physical UCSB squad. Borter is the engine for the Gauchos’ offense, averaging 16.3 points over her last four contests. She logged 40 minutes in tight games against UC Davis and Cal State Fullerton, underscoring her importance. However, UCSB has struggled offensively in stretches, scoring 62 points or fewer in four of its last six outings. Hawaii has won five of its last seven games, showing improved consistency. UC Santa Barbara has alternated wins and losses over its last six, seeking a sustained push as the regular season winds down. The rematch at the Thunderdome, where UCSB is 10-2 this season, provides a chance for redemption. A win would bolster the Gauchos’ conference standing, while Hawaii aims to complete a regular-season sweep and solidify its position in the upper tier of the Big West. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. PST on Saturday, Feb. 21.