LONG BEACH, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Cal State Fullerton squad looks to continue its climb up the Big West standings when it visits struggling Long Beach State in a women’s basketball matchup Thursday night at the Walter Pyramid.

The Titans (9-9, 3-2 Big West) have won two of their last three conference games, most recently an 83-71 victory over UC Riverside on Saturday. They will be heavily favored against a 49ers team that has just two wins all season.

Cal State Fullerton is powered by guard Cristina Jones, who has scored at least 20 points in five of her last seven games. She poured in 22 points in 33 minutes against UC Riverside, following a 20-point effort in a road win at Cal State Northridge on Jan. 10. Jones is averaging 20.1 points per game during this seven-game stretch.

Long Beach State (2-15, 1-4) is coming off its first conference win, a narrow 62-61 home victory over Cal State Northridge. Khylee Pepe led the way with 16 points, providing a bright spot in a difficult season. The 49ers’ defense has been a persistent issue, allowing 75 or more points in eight games, including a 106-44 loss to UCLA in nonconference play.

The Titans won the first meeting between these teams last season, 76-59. They will look to exploit a Long Beach State defense that ranks last in the Big West in points allowed. Beyond Jones, Fullerton has found balance, with Madelynn Muniz (18 points) and Kya Pearson (13 points, 6 assists) contributing strongly in the win over UC Riverside.

For the 49ers, consistency remains elusive. Pepe is the only player averaging double figures in conference play at 10.8 points per game. They will need a significant defensive effort to contain Jones and the Titans’ offense to have a chance at an upset.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The game will be the first of two regular-season meetings, with the rematch set for Feb. 12 at Cal State Fullerton.