Preview: California Golden Bears at Pittsburgh Panthers

PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — The California women’s basketball team looks to continue its push for a winning conference record when it visits the struggling Pittsburgh Panthers in an Atlantic Coast matchup Sunday at Petersen Events Center.

The Golden Bears (14-10) arrive having won four of their last five, including a 63-56 road victory at Georgia Tech on Thursday. California has shown resilience, with three of those recent wins coming in overtime, including a 78-71 triumph over then-Stanford on Jan. 25.

California is powered by guard Gisella Maul, who is averaging 14.6 points per game over her last seven contests. She scored 17 points with five assists in the win over Georgia Tech. She is complemented by forwards Mjracle Sheppard and Sakima Walker, who combined for 28 points and five assists in that same game.

Pittsburgh (8-16) seeks to halt a seven-game losing streak, its most recent a 86-65 home loss to Stanford on Thursday. The Panthers have struggled offensively during the skid, failing to reach 70 points in any of those games and being held under 50 points twice.

Guard Theresa Hagans has been a bright spot for the Panthers, leading the team with 21 points in the loss to Stanford. She has averaged 12.3 points per game over the last seven contests, but Pittsburgh has often been overmatched in ACC play, suffering several lopsided defeats.

The matchup pits California’s recent momentum against a Pittsburgh team desperate to defend its home court and find a conference win. The Golden Bears’ ability to win close games will be tested against a Panthers squad that has kept games tight at times, including a four-point loss to Florida State on Jan. 15.

Following this game, California returns home to host Virginia on Thursday. Pittsburgh remains at home to face Syracuse on Thursday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST Sunday.