RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in the Big West Conference will meet when Cal Poly visits UC Riverside on Saturday at the UCR Rec Center.

Both the Mustangs and Highlanders enter with identical 8-14 overall records. The matchup is a chance for one squad to gain ground in the league standings and build on a recent victory.

Cal Poly arrives after a dominant 104-79 road win at Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday. The Mustangs’ offense was fueled by a career performance from guard Troy Plumtree, who erupted for 31 points in just 24 minutes. Plumtree’s scoring outburst marked a dramatic shift for the sophomore, who had been held to nine total points over his four previous games.

UC Riverside also comes off a conference win, defeating Long Beach State 71-61 at home Thursday. The Highlanders have relied on the consistent backcourt presence of Andrew Henderson. The guard is averaging 16.8 points over his last six contests, including a 19-point effort against Long Beach State.

The Highlanders won the season’s first meeting, edging Cal Poly 88-84 in San Luis Obispo on Dec. 6.

For Cal Poly, replicating its recent offensive explosion will be key. Beyond Plumtree, Cayden Ward (12 points) and Aaron Price (10 points) provided support at Bakersfield. UC Riverside’s defense, which held Long Beach State to 61 points, will aim to disrupt that rhythm.

Henderson leads a balanced Highlander attack that saw Ben Waller and BJ Kolly each add 13 points in the last outing.

Saturday’s contest begins a critical final stretch of conference play for both programs as they jockey for positioning ahead of the Big West tournament in March.