EL CENTRO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Palo Verde Pirates and Imperial Valley Arabs will open their 2025-26 men’s junior college basketball seasons against each other Saturday in the Battle of the Desert Classic.

The neutral-site contest, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, will be the first official game for both teams. Each program is looking to rebound from difficult ends to their previous campaigns. Palo Verde concluded its 2024-25 season with a 110-75 home loss to San Bernardino Valley on Feb. 21, 2025. Imperial Valley also last played on that date, falling 136-70 to Southwestern.

With both teams carrying 0-0 records into the new season, the matchup presents a clean slate. According to Interstat’s game simulator, the contest is projected to be a high-scoring and tightly contested affair, forecasting a 100-100 final score.

The game will serve as the opener for a challenging stretch for both squads. Palo Verde will play three games in three days following this contest, traveling to San Jose on Nov. 6 before hosting Feather River and Foothill. Imperial Valley begins a three-game road trip after facing the Pirates, with games at Santa Ana, El Camino and Los Angeles Pierce.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.