Preview: MiraCosta Spartans at Cuyamaca Coyotes

EL CAJON, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Friday when the MiraCosta Spartans visit the Cuyamaca Coyotes.

Both teams enter the non-conference matchup with identical 4-5 records in all competitions, though Cuyamaca is 4-6 overall. The game is part of the California Community College Athletic Association schedule.

MiraCosta arrives following a narrow 58-56 road victory over Orange Coast on Dec. 12. Forward Travis Snider was instrumental in that win, posting a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in 37 minutes. Snider has been a consistent contributor, recording seven points, eight rebounds and six assists in a Nov. 25 win over Copper Mountain.

The Spartans have shown resilience, winning three of their last four games after a 1-4 start. Logan Mason added 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench in the win over Orange Coast.

Cuyamaca looks to snap a three-game skid, most recently a 77-63 loss at Cypress on Dec. 12. Guard Jordan Garner led the Coyotes in that contest with 11 points and five assists. Garner has scored in double figures in two of the team’s last three games, including 10 points at Long Beach on Dec. 10.

The Coyotes’ season has been marked by close contests, with four of their six losses coming by 10 points or fewer. Kenneth Klu provided a spark with 13 points in the loss to Cypress.

Friday’s game represents a final tune-up for both squads before holiday breaks and the start of conference play in January. The Spartans will host Cerritos on Dec. 21, while the Coyotes are off until hosting East Los Angeles on Dec. 29.

Tip-off is set for Friday at Cuyamaca College.