OAKLAND, Calif. (Interstat) — Two of the California Community College Athletic Association’s early-season unbeaten streaks will be on the line Friday when the Merritt Thunderbirds host the Santa Rosa Bear Cubs in a men’s basketball matchup at the Shasta Invitational.

The Thunderbirds (3-0) enter as one of the state’s few remaining undefeated teams, but face their toughest test yet against a Santa Rosa squad that has won five straight games. The Bear Cubs (5-1) are coming off an 83-66 victory over Feather River on Thursday.

Merritt last played on Nov. 14, earning a 72-67 win over Ohlone. Their perfect start has featured narrow victories, including a 75-74 win over Skyline and a 91-85 overtime triumph against Canada College.

Santa Rosa’s offense has been potent during its winning streak, averaging 88.2 points per game in its five victories. Its lone loss was a 64-51 defeat at San Francisco on Nov. 2.

Despite Merritt’s unblemished record, statistical models favor the Bear Cubs. Interstat’s ELO system projects Santa Rosa with an 81.40 percent probability to win Friday’s contest.

The non-conference game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tipoff at the Shasta College gymnasium.