SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A surging Hawaii women’s basketball team will seek to avenge an early conference loss and halt the momentum of Big West frontrunner UC San Diego when the teams meet Saturday at RIMAC Arena.

The Warriors (12-9, 7-2 Big West) enter on a six-game winning streak, their longest in conference play this season. Their last defeat was a 65-54 home loss to these same Tritons (15-6, 8-1) on Jan. 3. Since that game, Hawaii has found its rhythm, most recently routing Long Beach State 67-44 behind 15 points from forward Imani Perez.

Perez has been pivotal during the streak, averaging 9.1 points per game. She scored a season-high 15 last Saturday and posted 12 points and eight rebounds in a win at Cal State Northridge on Jan. 24.

UC San Diego, however, has been the class of the conference. The Tritons have won seven of their last eight, including an 82-67 victory over Cal State Northridge on Jan. 31. Guard Makayla Rose leads a balanced attack, averaging 13.6 points per game during this eight-game stretch. She scored 18 points with three assists in the win over CSUN.

The Tritons’ defense, which allows a conference-low 58.2 points per game in Big West play, will be tested by a Hawaii offense that has averaged 64.2 points during its streak. The Warriors’ defense has been equally stout, holding opponents to 50.8 points per game over the same span.

A Hawaii victory would tighten the conference race, potentially pulling the Warriors within a half-game of first place. A UC San Diego win would solidify its hold on the top spot and complete a regular-season sweep.

Saturday’s tipoff is set for 4 p.m. PST at RIMAC Arena in San Diego.