Owls Look to Extend Hot Start Against Struggling Rams in Non-Conference Clash

FRESNO, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Citrus College men’s basketball team will put its state-best record on the line Tuesday night when the Owls visit the Fresno City College Rams in a non-conference junior college matchup.

The Citrus Owls (9-1) have been one of California’s most dominant teams through the season’s first month, averaging 105.4 points per game during their current nine-game winning streak. Their lone loss came in double-overtime at Fullerton on Nov. 21. They are coming off a 113-80 road rout of East Los Angeles on Friday, where they shot 54% from the field.

Guard Amiri Meadows has been the catalyst for the high-flying Owls. Over his last six games, the sophomore is averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest while playing just 26.2 minutes per game. In Friday’s win, he posted 18 points, five rebounds and seven assists in only 21 minutes of action. He is supported by a deep roster that saw Rockwell Reynolds score 26 points and Dev Hamilton add 19 against East Los Angeles.

The Fresno City Rams (5-7), meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency. They snapped a three-game skid with a 72-65 home win over Lassen on Saturday but had lost those previous three games by an average of 23.3 points. Defense has been a concern; the Rams have allowed 79.3 points per game during their 2-5 stretch over the last three weeks.

Tuesday’s game represents a final major non-conference test for both squads before holiday breaks and the start of conference play in January. Citrus will look to maintain its momentum before hosting Riverside on Friday. Fresno City aims to build defensive cohesion before traveling to Moorpark on Dec. 30.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at Fresno City College.