Preview: Columbia Lions at California Golden Bears

BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams riding significant momentum will clash Thursday when the Columbia Lions visit the California Golden Bears in a nonconference women’s basketball game at Haas Pavilion.

The Lions (22-8), coming off a dominant 86-57 road win at North Dakota State on Sunday, bring a potent offense west. In that victory, three players scored at least 21 points, led by Perri Page’s 23. Page, a consistent force for Columbia, has averaged 18.3 points over her last three games. Mia Broom added 26 points and six assists against North Dakota State, showcasing the Lions’ balanced attack.

Columbia has won five of its last seven, with its only losses in that stretch coming in tight contests against Harvard.

California (21-14) counters with its own wave of confidence after an 83-75 road win at Kansas State, also on Sunday. The Golden Bears’ offense runs through Sakima Walker, who erupted for 28 points in that victory. Walker has been on a tear, averaging 22.3 points over her last four outings. She forms a formidable scoring trio with Lulu Twidale and Taylor Barnes, who each had 17 points against Kansas State.

The Golden Bears have won four of their last five, with the lone loss a road defeat at Syracuse.

Thursday’s matchup pits Columbia’s efficient, high-scoring attack against a California team that has found its rhythm late in the season. The Lions will look to control the tempo, while the Golden Bears will rely on the hot hand of Walker and home-court advantage in Berkeley.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT at Haas Pavilion.