COSTA MESA, Calif. (Interstat) — Two California community college men’s basketball teams heading in opposite directions will meet Friday when the MiraCosta Spartans visit the Orange Coast Pirates.

Orange Coast (0-9) is still searching for its first win of the season. The Pirates have shown recent fight, however, falling narrowly to Long Beach, 73-69, on Dec. 6. A key bright spot has been forward Chris Obiajulu, who is coming off a strong performance of 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists in that loss. Over his last five games, Obiajulu has averaged 13.4 points and 7.0 rebounds.

MiraCosta (3-5) has found a rhythm after a tough start, winning three of its last four games. The Spartans are coming off a 16-day break following an 83-67 home victory over Victor Valley on Nov. 30. That win capped a stretch where MiraCosta averaged 75.3 points per game across its three victories.

The Spartans’ recent surge contrasts sharply with their early-season struggles, which included losses by 34 and 21 points to Citrus and Mount San Jacinto, respectively. Orange Coast’s season has been defined by defensive challenges, allowing an average of 86.2 points per game and losing by 58 points to Citrus on Nov. 4.

Despite the records, a statistical projection from Interstat’s game simulator anticipates a tightly contested affair, predicting a 100-100 final score.

For Orange Coast, the matchup begins a difficult three-game road trip following Friday’s contest. MiraCosta will look to carry momentum into a five-game homestand after facing the Pirates.

Tip-off is set for Friday, Dec. 12, at Orange Coast College.