SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC Santa Barbara women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will put its nine-game winning streak on the line Thursday when it hosts Eastern Washington at the Thunderdome.

The Gauchos (9-1) have not lost since their season opener at UCLA on Nov. 6, a dominant stretch that includes a 68-65 road victory at Utah Tech last Saturday. Olivia Bradley has been a consistent force, averaging 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists over her last six games. In the win over Utah Tech, she filled the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

They will face an Eastern Washington Eagles squad (6-4) riding momentum of its own after a thrilling 71-69 road win at Washington State on Dec. 10. The Eagles have won three straight, all by four points or fewer, showcasing a knack for close games.

Eastern Washington is led by guard Elyn Bowers, who is coming off a 20-point, four-assist performance in the win over the Cougars. Bowers has scored in double figures in four of her last six outings, including a 21-point game at Gonzaga.

The matchup pits UCSB’s stout defense, which has held opponents to an average of 57.2 points during the win streak, against an Eagles team that has found offensive rhythm in its recent victories. Beyond Bowers, Ella Gallatin (22 points vs. Washington State) and Jaecy Eggers (18 points vs. Washington State) provide additional scoring threats.

UC Santa Barbara’s lone blemish is an 87-50 loss to then-UCLA. Eastern Washington’s defeats have come against tougher competition, including Arizona State, Gonzaga and Portland.

This is the final non-conference home game for the Gauchos before beginning Big West play on Jan. 1. Eastern Washington continues a challenging road swing before opening Big Sky Conference action in January.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST on Thursday, Dec. 18.