PRESCOTT, Ariz. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking to reverse early-season struggles will meet Saturday when the Yavapai Roughriders host the Community Christian Saints.

The non-conference matchup at Walraven Gymnasium features a Yavapai squad at 1-4 and a Community Christian team still in search of its first win at 0-4. Both teams have faced demanding schedules, with their combined losses coming against nationally competitive programs.

A player to watch is Community Christian guard Sage Gonzalez, who is coming off a career performance. In a 66-97 loss at Arizona Western on Nov. 26, Gonzalez poured in 36 points with six rebounds in 38 minutes. His scoring outburst provides a bright spot for a Saints offense that has averaged just 60.8 points per game in its four defeats.

Yavapai, meanwhile, looks to bounce back from a 57-70 road loss to New Mexico Military Institute on Nov. 29. The Roughriders’ lone victory was a narrow 81-79 overtime win at home against that same NMMI squad on Nov. 5. Defense has been a challenge, as Yavapai has allowed an average of 90.2 points in its four losses.

The teams are familiar with each other, having just played on Friday, Dec. 5. Details from that contest were not immediately available.

Statistical projections present a conflicting outlook. Interstat’s game simulator forecasts a 100-100 tie, while its ELO rating system gives Yavapai a strong 85.3% probability of victory.

For Community Christian, this game begins a challenging six-game road stretch. Yavapai will look to build momentum before opening its conference slate at home next weekend against Southern Idaho.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon.