Preview: College Park Skyhawks at San Diego Clippers

SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — The struggling College Park Skyhawks look to snap a three-game skid when they visit the San Diego Clippers in a G League matchup Friday night at Frontwave Arena.

College Park (8-20) arrives after a 107-121 road loss to the South Bay Lakers on Tuesday. The Skyhawks have lost six of their last seven games, with their lone win in that stretch a 139-113 victory over Delaware on Jan. 14. Their defense has been a persistent issue, allowing an average of 121.7 points during their current three-game losing streak.

The Skyhawks will lean on forward Asa Newell, who has been a bright spot amid the losses. Newell is coming off a 26-point, six-rebound performance against South Bay and averaged 23.3 points and 8.3 rebounds over his last three games. Guard RayJ Dennis, who had 24 points and 10 assists Tuesday, provides backcourt scoring and playmaking.

San Diego (14-15) seeks to regain footing after dropping its last two games, both at home to the Oklahoma City Blue. The Clippers fell 92-113 in their most recent outing on Jan. 24. They have alternated wins and losses over their past eight contests.

Forward Kobe Brown anchors the Clippers, posting averages of 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in the two losses to Oklahoma City. His interior presence will be key against Newell and a College Park team that has struggled to contain opposing offenses.

The game marks the first of a back-to-back set between the teams, with a rematch scheduled for Saturday at the same venue. For College Park, it is the start of a four-game road trip. San Diego embarks on a six-game trip following Saturday’s contest.

Friday’s matchup pits one of the league’s lowest-winning percentage teams against a Clippers squad hovering near .500. The Skyhawks will need a defensive turnaround to compete, while the Clippers aim to protect their home court before a lengthy travel stretch.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST.