Preview: Chabot Gladiators at San Jose Jaguars

HAYWARD, Calif. (Interstat) — Two of Northern California’s top junior college men’s basketball programs will meet Wednesday when the Chabot Gladiators visit the San Jose City Jaguars in a non-conference matchup.

The Gladiators (9-2) enter with the stronger overall record, having won four of their last five games. They are coming off an 82-66 home victory over Cabrillo on Dec. 12. Chabot’s offense has been potent, scoring 77 or more points in seven of its 11 games. Their two losses came on the road at Modesto (77-66) and Marin (72-70).

San Jose (8-5) has been inconsistent but is riding a three-game winning streak, including a dominant 89-48 road win at Merritt on Dec. 13. The Jaguars’ most dramatic victory this season was a 90-86 double-overtime home win against Sequoias on Dec. 12.

A key matchup will feature Chabot guard Zion Yeargin against San Jose’s frontcourt. Yeargin is coming off a 12-point, 5-rebound performance in a win at Cuesta on Dec. 6. For San Jose, forward Chris Naulls provides interior presence. Naulls logged 13 minutes and grabbed six rebounds in a narrow loss to San Diego City on Nov. 22, showcasing his ability to impact the game defensively and on the boards.

Both teams have faced challenging early schedules. Chabot’s victories include wins over Los Angeles Trade-Tech and Monterey Peninsula. San Jose has tested itself against state powers like Fresno City and Allan Hancock.

This game serves as a final tune-up before both teams dive deeper into their respective conference schedules in January. Chabot will visit Diablo Valley on Friday, while San Jose travels to De Anza on Saturday.

Wednesday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. PST at San Jose City College.