Preview: Victor Valley Rams at Cerro Coso Coyotes

RIDGECREST, Calif. (Interstat) — Two California community college men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Cerro Coso Coyotes host the Victor Valley Rams.

The non-conference matchup pits the Coyotes (4-6), who have won two of their last three, against the struggling Rams (2-11), who have dropped eight of their last nine contests.

Victor Valley is coming off an 85-63 home loss to San Bernardino Valley on Dec. 13. The Rams will lean on forward Derrick Hankins, who has been a bright spot during a difficult stretch. Over his last four full games, Hankins is averaging 19.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest, including a 19-point, 11-rebound performance in a loss to Antelope Valley on Dec. 7.

Cerro Coso enters with confidence after a 76-72 road win at Palo Verde on Dec. 13. The Coyotes have shown resilience in close games, with three of their four wins coming by four points or fewer. Forward Issiakoi Aminou provides consistent production, averaging 11.0 points and 4.5 rebounds over his last six appearances. He posted 13 points and six rebounds in a road win at Santa Monica on Dec. 5.

The Rams’ offense has been inconsistent, failing to reach 70 points in six of their 11 losses. Conversely, Cerro Coso has allowed 79 points or more in five of its six defeats, indicating a potential vulnerability Victor Valley will aim to exploit.

This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams this season. They are scheduled to meet again at Victor Valley on Jan. 28.

Following this contest, Cerro Coso will travel to face Chaffey on Saturday, Dec. 20. Victor Valley’s next game is a home matchup against Palo Verde on the same date.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.