SAN MATEO, Calif. (Interstat) — The San Mateo Bulldogs look to rebound from their first loss of the season when they host the struggling Cuesta Cougars in a men’s junior college basketball game Thursday.

The non-conference matchup, part of the Lazy Dog CSM Fall Classic, pits a Bulldogs squad (2-1) coming off a 100-76 road defeat against Santa Rosa against a Cuesta team (0-3) seeking its inaugural win.

San Mateo started the season strong with decisive home victories over Orange Coast (94-71) and Shasta (86-64) before the setback at Santa Rosa last Friday.

Cuesta is searching for answers after a difficult start. The Cougars are coming off a 94-53 home loss to Sequoias on Saturday, their third consecutive defeat by double digits. Corbin Rossi led Cuesta in that game with 16 points and five rebounds.

The Bulldogs’ early-season offense has been potent, averaging over 85 points per game in their two wins. Cuesta’s defense has been a vulnerability, allowing an average of 89.3 points through its first three contests.

Following this game, San Mateo will host Mendocino on Friday. Cuesta continues its road trip at San Joaquin Delta, also on Friday.