MORAGA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Saint Mary’s squad will look to continue its dominant run through the West Coast Conference when it hosts a struggling Portland team at McKeon Pavilion on Friday.

The Gaels (13-2) enter the new year riding a five-game winning streak, including decisive conference road victories over Pepperdine (72-45) and Loyola Marymount (78-73) last week. Their formidable defense has held opponents to an average of just 60.2 points during the streak.

Saint Mary’s is led by forward Paulius Murauskas, who has averaged 18.4 points over his last five games. He scored 19 points in 29 minutes in the win at Pepperdine.

They face a Portland team (7-8) seeking to halt a four-game skid. The Pilots’ most recent loss was a 92-85 home defeat to Santa Clara on Tuesday, despite a spectacular performance from point guard Joel Foxwell.

Foxwell is the engine for Portland, averaging a double-double over his last six games with 14.7 points and 10.2 assists per contest. His 20-point, 15-assist effort against Santa Clara highlighted his playmaking ability, but the Pilots’ defense has faltered, allowing 86.5 points per game during their losing streak.

The matchup pits one of the conference’s most efficient offenses in Saint Mary’s against a Portland defense that has struggled to get stops. The Gaels have won their last seven meetings against the Pilots, including both contests last season by an average margin of 24 points.

Friday’s game tips off a critical January stretch for both teams as they navigate the WCC schedule. Saint Mary’s will aim to protect its home court and solidify its standing atop the league, while Portland desperately needs a signature road win to reverse its recent fortunes.