MONTEREY, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Friday when the De Anza Mountain Lions visit the Monterey Peninsula Lobos.

The non-conference matchup, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, features teams with identical struggles this season. De Anza enters at 5-8 overall, while Monterey Peninsula sits at 5-10.

The Lobos claimed a narrow 86-84 victory in the season’s first meeting on Nov. 22 in Cupertino. That result is a focal point for the Mountain Lions, who have lost three straight since, including a 84-70 defeat at Merced on Dec. 23. De Anza’s last win was a 93-89 road victory at Grossmont on Dec. 6.

Monterey Peninsula has also found wins scarce lately, dropping its last two contests. The Lobos fell 76-60 at San Mateo on Dec. 16 and lost 73-64 at home to Lemoore on Dec. 13. Their most recent victory was a 59-57 home win over Merritt on Dec. 12.

Both teams have shown offensive capability but have been hampered by defensive consistency. The previous high-scoring affair suggests another potentially close game as each looks to reverse recent fortunes.

For De Anza, the game represents a chance to avenge the earlier loss and snap its skid before beginning a tough stretch of conference play next week. Monterey Peninsula aims to defend its home court and build confidence ahead of its own league schedule.

The game is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Following this contest, De Anza will host San Francisco on Jan. 7, while Monterey Peninsula will host Cabrillo on the same date.