Associated Press

Cal's Ashley Walker (shooting) had 25 points and 10 rebounds in a 65-49 win Thursday over UC Riverside. Sunday she'll match up against UNM's Dionne Marsh. "If Dionne can match Walker - they both get 25 points - then maybe we can make their other four players less effective," said Lobos coach Don Flanagan "because I don't think you're going to stop Walker."

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The best of Dionne Marsh has yet to come this season.

Through three games, Marsh has played well in spurts, but hasn't dominated a game from start to finish.

Marsh, a 6-foot-1 senior forward and the Lobos' go-to scorer, is averaging a modest (for her) 12.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.

On Sunday, the Lobos likely will need bigger contributions from Marsh in both categories to get past 12th-ranked California on the Golden Bears' home court.

"I think Dionne sometimes sees the level of competition and then gives the effort necessary to compete and win," Lobos head coach Don Flanagan said.

"I think we're going to need Dionne's best effort (against Cal), but she's not the only one. Cal's got a lot of good players so we're going to need a lot of people to step up."

It will be the Lobos' first road test, and a doozy at that.

Cal features 6-1 All-America candidate Ashley Walker, a potential double-double every time she steps onto the court.

In Thursday night's game against California-Riverside, Walker had 25 points and 10 rebounds in a 65-49 win.

Flanagan said he hopes a motivated Marsh can help offset Walker's high-energy play.

"If Dionne can match Walker - they both get 25 points - then maybe we can make their other four players less effective, because I don't think you're going to stop Walker. She's a great athlete."

Flanagan said Walker reminds him of former Baylor All-American Sophia Walker, a versatile post player who can score, rebound and defend equally well.

Marsh had a similar impression of Walker when the two played together this offseason at the USA tryouts.

"She's quick, she finishes well around the basket and she goes hard after rebounds from what I remember," Marsh said. "She's a good player, but they have a lot of good players."

The Lobos are 10-20 against ranked foes under Flanagan, 5-5 vs. Top 25 teams since the 2002-03 season.

"We're not overwhelmed anymore," Flanagan said about facing nationally ranked teams. "In the past, other teams had more talent than us at every position and we were in trouble of getting doubled up.

"Now, we're more competitive against those teams and the talent gap isn't what it once was."

The Lobos opened the season with three straight wins in the Women's Sports Foundation Challenge last weekend in The Pit, beating Western Michigan, Dayton and Northwestern by an average score of 75-55.

UNM players say they're eager for the step up in competition in the showdown against Cal.

"This team's not going to back down from anybody," said sophomore point guard Amy Beggin. "We're going to give it our best fight.

"We're just really excited about this opportunity. If we can knock off a ranked team then maybe we can get some recognition."

UNM is among other teams receiving votes in the AP and coaches' polls.

A win over the No. 12 team might be enough to put them into the Top 25.

"It should be fun," Marsh said. "I know there's going to be a lot of hype about this game so it makes it a little more exciting for us."