Preview: San Jose Jaguars at Merritt Thunderbirds

OAKLAND, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the San Jose Jaguars face the Merritt Thunderbirds in the Coach Carr Classic.

The non-conference matchup, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, pits teams with similar records. San Jose enters at 6-5 overall, while Merritt stands at 5-4.

The Jaguars snapped a two-game skid with a 69-57 home victory over Lemoore on Thursday. They will look to build on that performance behind forward Taj Royster, who has been a consistent force. In his last four games, Royster is averaging 19.3 points and 8.5 rebounds, including a 37-point, 9-rebound outburst in a win over Barstow on Nov. 23.

San Jose’s season has featured notable wins over Diablo Valley and Feather River, but also close losses, including a one-point defeat to San Diego City and a four-point loss to Fresno City where Royster scored 19 points.

Merritt arrives after a split of two games last weekend. The Thunderbirds routed Sacramento City 85-65 on Dec. 6 but fell 68-58 to Folsom Lake at home the following day. Their season has been marked by tight contests, including an overtime win over Canada College and a narrow 75-74 victory over Skyline.

The Thunderbirds have shown offensive capability, scoring 85 or more points in three games, but have also been held under 60 points in three of their losses.

This game serves as a final tune-up before both teams dive deeper into their schedules. San Jose begins Coast Conference-South play next week against Chabot, while Merritt opens Bay Valley Conference action on Dec. 16 against Yuba.

Saturday’s contest is scheduled for a 3 p.m. tipoff at Merritt College.