RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Riverside Tigers men’s basketball team looks to continue its winning momentum when it visits the struggling Desert Roadrunners in a California junior college non-conference matchup Tuesday night.

The Tigers (6-5) enter on a two-game win streak following a 69-62 victory over San Bernardino Valley on Dec. 10. The Roadrunners (3-7), meanwhile, have lost three of their last four, including a narrow 64-62 defeat to Copper Mountain last Saturday.

Riverside will lean on sophomore guard Kollen Murphy, who has been a consistent offensive force. Murphy is averaging 19 points over his last three games, including a 26-point performance in a win over Ventura on Dec. 6. He leads a Tigers attack that has found its rhythm, averaging 73.5 points during its current streak.

Desert will counter with dynamic forward De’miem King, who has kept the Roadrunners competitive despite their record. King is averaging 21 points and 7.5 rebounds over his last five contests, including a 23-point effort in the recent loss to Copper Mountain. His ability to score inside and protect the rim will be crucial against a physical Riverside frontcourt.

The Tigers have shown resilience after a three-game skid in early December, tightening their defense in the recent wins. Jaedon Hose-Shea and Christian Warren provided key support alongside Murphy in the latest victory.

Desert’s season has been marked by close losses, with four of their seven defeats coming by six points or fewer. Payton Joseph and Chris Cooper-Patton offer secondary scoring, but the Roadrunners will need a complete defensive effort to slow Riverside’s balanced offense.

This game serves as a final tune-up for both teams before holiday breaks and the rigorous start of conference play in January. Riverside visits Citrus on Friday, while Desert hosts Barstow next Saturday.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST at Desert’s gymnasium.