MORAGA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Santa Clara squad looks to rebound from a rare conference loss when it visits Saint Mary’s in a West Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday.

The Broncos (15-5) had won seven of eight before falling 73-66 at home to Portland on Thursday. They now face a Gaels team (11-8) coming off a tough 68-64 overtime loss to Washington State on the same night.

Santa Clara’s offense runs through dynamic guard Ashley Hawkins. The standout is averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 assists over her last eight games, including a 26-point, 8-assist performance in a win at Washington State on Jan. 10 and an 11-assist outing against Gonzaga on Jan. 4. In the loss to Portland, Hawkins posted 15 points and eight assists.

Saint Mary’s will counter with guard Jada Hunter, who led the team with 15 points in the overtime defeat to Washington State. The Gaels have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over their past six games.

The Broncos boast a potent attack, having scored 77 or more points in eight games this season. Saint Mary’s has relied more on defense, holding opponents under 60 points in six of its 11 victories.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the Bay Area rivals. They will meet again at Santa Clara on Feb. 19.

Santa Clara holds a significant edge in the all-time series, but the Gaels will look to protect their home court at McKeon Pavilion, where they are 7-3 this season.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon.