NAPA, Calif. (Interstat) — A matchup of teams on contrasting trajectories will meet Friday when the West Valley Vikings visit the Napa Valley Storm in a California community college men’s basketball game.

The Vikings (5-2) arrive with momentum, averaging 91.6 points in their five victories. They are coming off a dominant 109-80 home win over Marin on Nov. 25. West Valley’s two losses have been narrow road defeats, by five points at Fullerton and three at San Francisco.

The Storm (3-6) have endured a tougher start, though their last three games have been decided by a total of six points. Napa Valley fell 79-77 at San Joaquin Delta this past Tuesday after an 83-81 road win at Ohlone on Nov. 22.

Despite the disparity in records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a dramatic 100-100 tie, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair. The Vikings have shown a potent offense, while the Storm have proven capable in close contests.

“We have to defend better for forty minutes,“ said West Valley coach Devin Aye, referencing his team’s road setbacks. “Napa plays hard and is battle-tested in these tight games.“

Storm coach Steve Ball emphasized resilience. “Our group is competing. We’re right there. We need to execute a little better down the stretch to turn these close ones our way,“ he said.

The non-conference game tips off at 7 p.m. Friday at Napa Valley College. West Valley travels to Diablo Valley next Wednesday, while Napa Valley hosts Hartnell next Tuesday.