BARSTOW, Calif. (Interstat) — Two California junior college men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Barstow Vikings host the Palo Verde Pirates.

The non-conference matchup at Barstow College features teams with a combined 5-18 record. The Vikings (3-8) have dropped two straight, including a 60-64 loss at Santa Barbara on Saturday. The Pirates (2-10) have lost four consecutive games, most recently a 72-76 home defeat to Cerro Coso on Dec. 13.

The game will showcase two of the region’s top individual performers. Palo Verde forward Dejon Townsend is coming off a stretch of dominant outings, averaging 24 points and 11.5 rebounds over his last two games. He posted 27 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Pasadena City on Dec. 6.

Barstow will counter with guard Trestyne Nguru, who has been a consistent offensive force. Nguru is averaging 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists over his last four contests. He scored 30 points in a win at Long Beach on Dec. 5 and followed with 28 points and six assists in an overtime victory at El Camino on Dec. 11.

Both teams have struggled defensively. Palo Verde has allowed 90 or more points in four of its losses this season. Barstow has shown flashes, holding Long Beach to 57 points earlier this month, but has also conceded an average of 77.6 points in its eight defeats.

The Vikings will look to capitalize on a home court where they are 1-1 this season, with an 81-77 win over Bakersfield on Nov. 4. The Pirates are 1-5 on the road, with their sole road win coming at Imperial Valley on Nov. 1.

Wednesday’s contest is the first of two scheduled meetings this season. The teams will play again at Palo Verde on Jan. 28.

Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. PST.