STOCKTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Santa Clara squad looks to rebound from a narrow loss when it visits struggling Pacific in a West Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup Thursday night at the A.C. Spanos Center.

The Broncos (18-6), who had won six of seven before a last-second 74-72 home defeat to Pepperdine on Saturday, are led by dynamic guard Ashley Hawkins. The standout is averaging 18.3 points and 5.4 assists over her last eight games, including a 26-point, 8-assist effort in a win at Washington State on Jan. 10. In the loss to Pepperdine, Hawkins scored 21 points and Maia Jones added 20 points and seven rebounds.

Pacific (8-13) has lost five of its last six, most recently an 87-66 decision at Loyola Marymount. Guard Daria Nestorov leads the Tigers’ offense, dishing nine assists in that contest and averaging 7.8 assists over her last four games. Her backcourt play will be critical against Santa Clara’s pressure.

The Tigers’ last win was a 65-53 victory over Washington State on Jan. 22, a game in which Nestorov scored 15 points. Consistency has been an issue, however, as the team has not won consecutive games since late December.

Santa Clara’s offense has been potent, scoring 93 points or more in three of its last five victories. Pacific’s defense, allowing an average of 68.2 points per game, will be tested by the Broncos’ balanced attack, which features multiple scoring threats alongside Hawkins.

This begins a key stretch for both teams in conference play. Santa Clara will aim to solidify its position near the top of the WCC standings, while Pacific seeks to build momentum before a difficult upcoming schedule that includes games against Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.