LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A surging Cal State Northridge looks to continue its climb in the Big West standings when it hosts a struggling UC Riverside team on Saturday at the Matadome.

The Matadors (13-10) have won three of their last four, including an 81-64 victory over UC San Diego last Saturday. They are led by forward Mahmoud Fofana, who is averaging 19.3 points over his last three games, including a pair of 22-point performances.

They will face a Highlanders squad (8-15) seeking to halt a two-game skid. UC Riverside is coming off a 94-87 home loss to Cal Poly, a game in which guard Andrew Henderson erupted for a career-high 39 points. Henderson has been a bright spot, averaging 21.9 points over his last seven contests.

The matchup pits one of the conference’s more efficient offenses in Northridge against a Riverside team that has struggled defensively, allowing 80 or more points in four of its last six games. The Matadors have scored at least 81 points in three of their last four wins.

Cal State Northridge won the first meeting between the teams this season, 80-73, on Jan. 3 in Riverside. Fofana led the Matadors with 18 points in that game, while Henderson was held to 11.

For the Highlanders, reversing their fortunes will likely require another high-output game from Henderson and improved defensive intensity. For the Matadors, maintaining their recent offensive rhythm and protecting their home court will be key as they aim to solidify their position in the upper half of the Big West.

Saturday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. PST and is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams this month, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 28 in Riverside.