SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Interstat) — A West Coast Conference women’s basketball rematch with significant postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Santa Clara Broncos host the Pacific Tigers at Leavey Center. The Broncos (21-8), firmly in the hunt for a WCC title and an NCAA tournament at-large bid, seek to avenge a 90-82 road loss to the Tigers on Feb. 5. Santa Clara has gone 3-2 since that defeat but is coming off an 80-63 loss at Pepperdine. Pacific (11-16), which stunned Santa Clara three weeks ago, looks to salvage its season by playing spoiler. The Tigers have lost two straight, including an 85-70 defeat to Gonzaga on Saturday, despite a 30-point performance from standout guard Sydney Ward. Ward, who torched Santa Clara for 27 points in the first meeting, is averaging 18.4 points over her last five games. Her scoring burst will be crucial for a Pacific team that has struggled with consistency. Santa Clara will counter with forward Ava Schmidt, who scored 19 points in the previous matchup. Schmidt is averaging 16.1 points over her last seven contests and provides a defensive presence with 12 blocks in that span. The Broncos, boasting a superior record and home-court advantage, are heavily favored. However, Pacific has proven it can compete, having won two of its last five games, including the upset over Santa Clara. The Tigers’ victory earlier this month demonstrated their offensive capability, but replicating that on the road against a motivated Broncos squad presents a stiffer challenge. A Santa Clara victory would solidify its standing in the conference and keep pressure on the league leaders. A Pacific win would provide a signature road victory and halt the Broncos’ momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST on Thursday, Feb. 26.