Vikings, Trojans Set for California Junior College Clash

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (Interstat) — A pair of men’s junior college basketball teams trending in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Diablo Valley Vikings visit the Skyline Trojans.

The Vikings (5-2) enter on a two-game winning streak following a narrow 88-85 victory over Los Medanos on Wednesday. The Trojans (4-4) snapped a two-game skid in emphatic fashion, routing Gavilan 99-45 on Thursday.

Diablo Valley has shown resilience in close games, with three of its wins decided by four points or fewer. Its two losses came by a combined 13 points. Skyline has experienced similar tight contests, with three of its four losses coming by six points or less, including a one-point defeat to Merritt on Nov. 7.

A key player to watch for Diablo Valley is Jacob Harvey. The guard is coming off a near triple-double performance in a 92-93 loss to Marin on Nov. 29, where he posted 8 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Over his last five games, he has averaged 6.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists, demonstrating versatile playmaking.

Skyline will counter with guard Zidane Auzarang, who has provided significant scoring punch. He dropped a season-high 28 points along with 8 rebounds in a 71-68 win over Napa Valley on Nov. 26 and followed with 21 points in a loss to Marin.

The Vikings’ offense has been potent, averaging approximately 85 points per game in their wins. Skyline’s defense, which surrendered 89 points to Marin, will be tested. However, the Trojans have shown they can win lower-scoring affairs, as evidenced by their 64-61 season-opening victory over Merced.

This non-conference matchup, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, is a final tune-up before both teams dive deeper into their December schedules. Diablo Valley travels to West Valley on Dec. 10, while Skyline hosts Santa Rosa on Dec. 13.

Saturday’s game tips off at 3 p.m. PST at Skyline College.