IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC Irvine women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will host a UC Riverside squad looking to spring a massive Big West Conference upset when the rivals meet Thursday night at Bren Events Center.

The Anteaters (16-2, 5-0 Big West) have been dominant, winning 11 consecutive games. Their last loss came on Nov. 25. In conference play, they have won by an average margin of 22.2 points. That includes a 77-40 rout of UC Riverside on Dec. 4 in the teams’ first meeting this season.

UC Irvine’s success is fueled by a balanced attack, with guard Jada Wynn leading the way. Wynn is coming off a 24-point performance in a 73-42 win over UC Davis last Saturday and has averaged 18.8 points over her last five games. Hunter Hernandez (19 points vs. UC Davis) provides a consistent secondary scoring threat.

The Highlanders (6-11, 3-2) have shown resilience in conference play, winning three of their last five after a tough non-conference slate. Their hopes rest heavily on the standout play of guard Hannah Wickstrom, who is averaging 26.3 points per game in Big West contests. Wickstrom scored 28 points in a loss to Cal State Fullerton last Saturday and erupted for 36 points in a win at Hawaii on Jan. 1.

For UC Riverside to challenge the conference front-runner, it must find offensive support for Wickstrom and improve upon its defensive performance from the December meeting, where it trailed 42-12 at halftime. Makayla Minshall, who had 18 points against Fullerton, will be a key factor.

The Anteaters, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their defensive intensity, which has held conference opponents to just 48.6 points per game. A win would solidify their hold on first place in the Big West.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The Highlanders visit UC Davis on Saturday, while UC Irvine hosts UC San Diego.