RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Cal State Fullerton team looks to continue its climb in the Big West standings when it visits UC Riverside on Thursday night in a women’s basketball matchup.

The Titans (12-9, 5-3 Big West) have won four of their last five games, including a 62-60 nail-biter over UC Santa Barbara last Saturday. They currently sit in a tie for third place in the conference. The Highlanders (7-14, 3-5), meanwhile, are looking to build momentum after snapping a four-game skid with a 70-66 road win at Cal Poly.

The game at the UCR Rec Center is a rematch of a Jan. 17 meeting in Fullerton, which the Titans won 83-71. Cal State Fullerton has relied on balanced scoring and the dynamic play of guard Kya Pearson. Over her last six games, Pearson is averaging 14.7 points and 5.3 assists, including a 19-point, 5-assist performance in the first matchup against Riverside.

UC Riverside will counter with the conference’s leading scorer, Hannah Wickstrom. The guard is on a remarkable offensive tear, averaging 26.4 points over her last five contests. She scored 28 points in the loss at Fullerton last month and poured in 30 points in a narrow loss to UC Irvine on Jan. 22.

For the Titans, consistency beyond Pearson will be key. Cristina Jones posted 13 points and nine rebounds against UCSB, and Maddy Tauro added 14 points. The Highlanders, who have struggled defensively, allowing 74.3 points per game in conference play, will need more support for Wickstrom. Bria Shine (10 points, 6 rebounds at Cal Poly) and Makayla Minshall provide interior presence.

A Fullerton win would solidify its position in the upper tier of the Big West, while a Riverside victory could provide a crucial boost as the Highlanders aim to escape the bottom half of the standings. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.