Preview: Santa Barbara Vaqueros at Canyons Cougars

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Interstat) — Two surging men’s junior college basketball teams will meet Monday in the Cougar Holiday Classic when the Santa Barbara Vaqueros visit the Canyons Cougars.

Both teams enter the Dec. 29 non-conference matchup with winning momentum. Santa Barbara (8-4) has won two straight, most recently a 64-60 home victory over Barstow on Dec. 13. The Vaqueros were led in that contest by Dominic Bonafede (16 points, 7 rebounds) and Jack Berry and James Reach, who each added 15 points.

Canyons (7-4) carries a three-game winning streak into the contest, all secured on the road. The Cougars’ latest result was an 80-72 win at Napa Valley on Dec. 15. Their current run includes victories over Solano and Los Angeles City.

The game presents a contrast in recent schedules. Santa Barbara has played its last six games at home, posting a 4-2 record during that stretch. Canyons, conversely, will play its first home game since Nov. 21, having navigated a challenging five-game road trip where they went 4-1.

Offensive consistency will be a key factor. The Vaqueros have shown scoring prowess, averaging over 75 points in their eight wins, but have been held under 65 points in three of their four losses. The Cougars have scored 80 or more points in four games this season, including their last two outings.

This contest serves as a final tune-up before both teams begin conference play in January. Santa Barbara opens Western State Conference action on Jan. 7 at Moorpark. Canyons begins Western State-South play on Jan. 3, hosting Los Angeles Pierce.

Tip-off is scheduled for Monday at Cougar Holiday Classic.