Preview: Citrus Owls at East Los Angeles Huskies

GLENDORA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Citrus College men’s basketball team, ranked in the state, puts its 8-1 record on the line Friday night in a non-conference road test against the East Los Angeles Huskies.

The game, set for Dec. 12 at East Los Angeles College, features a stark contrast in recent momentum. The visiting Owls have won four straight, including a dominant 101-61 rout at Long Beach on Tuesday where they shot 54% from the field. The Huskies (5-3), meanwhile, look to rebound from a 68-64 home loss to San Bernardino Valley last Saturday.

Citrus has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 105 points per game during its winning streak. Sophomore guard Leo Ricketts leads the charge, coming off a 27-point performance in just 21 minutes against Long Beach. Ricketts is averaging 18.4 points per game and has shown explosive scoring ability, including a 35-point outing in a double-overtime loss to Fullerton last month.

East Los Angeles will counter with forward Terrence Hampton, a consistent force in the paint. Hampton is averaging 15.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He nearly posted a triple-double in a Dec. 3 win over Riverside, finishing with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. His defensive presence will be critical; he recorded six blocks in a November loss at San Francisco.

The Huskies’ defense, allowing just 68.8 points per game at home, faces its toughest challenge yet against Citrus’s high-paced attack. The Owls’ lone loss came by three points in double-overtime, and they have won their other games by an average margin of 30.1 points.

For East Los Angeles, protecting the ball will be paramount. The Huskies committed 18 turnovers in their loss to San Bernardino Valley. They will need a efficient, physical performance to slow down the Owls’ transition game and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

This matchup serves as a final tune-up before both teams enter conference play in January. Citrus visits Fresno City next Tuesday, while East Los Angeles travels to Cerritos next Wednesday.