Preview: West L.A. Wildcats Host L.A. Trade Tech Beavers in Junior College Matchup

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The West Los Angeles College Wildcats, riding a strong start to the season, will host the Los Angeles Trade Tech College Beavers in a men’s junior college basketball game on Wednesday.

The Wildcats (9-3) enter the non-conference matchup favored against the visiting Beavers (4-5). West L.A. has won five of its last seven games, though it is coming off a 72-58 road loss to Fullerton on Dec. 13. In that game, Malachi Knight led the Wildcats with 12 points and four rebounds.

Knight, a key player to watch for West L.A., is capable of explosive performances. He scored 36 points in a win over Palomar on Nov. 25 and posted a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double against Compton on Dec. 6.

Trade Tech seeks to rebound from a 63-49 loss at Cypress on Dec. 7. The Beavers have lost three of their last four contests. Their success often hinges on forward Will Smith Iii, who has been a consistent force. Smith Iii is averaging 18.8 points and 7.2 rebounds over his last five games, including a 24-point, seven-rebound effort in a win over Oxnard on Nov. 25. In the loss to Cypress, he played 36 minutes and scored a team-high 16 points.

The Beavers’ most recent victory was a 72-66 overtime win at Saddleback on Dec. 5, a team the Wildcats narrowly lost to 85-83 in overtime on Dec. 12.

Wednesday’s game is the final contest for both teams before the holiday break. West L.A. will next host Los Angeles Harbor on Dec. 30. Trade Tech returns to action on Dec. 20, hosting Los Angeles Pierce.

Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday at West Los Angeles College.