Copper Mountain, Cerro Coso Set for California JUCO Clash

RIDGECREST, Calif. (Interstat) — The Copper Mountain Fighting Cacti visit the Cerro Coso Coyotes in a California community college men’s basketball matchup on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.

Copper Mountain (9-5) enters with a winning record but looks to rebound from a 52-63 road loss at Pasadena City on Dec. 22. The Fighting Cacti had won three of four prior to consecutive road defeats against Pasadena City and San Bernardino Valley.

A key player for the Fighting Cacti is Jefur Deng. The forward is coming off a strong defensive performance at Pasadena City, where he logged 7 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks in 25 minutes. Over his last six games, Deng has averaged 6.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest.

Cerro Coso (4-8) seeks to end a two-game skid, most recently a 60-72 loss at Chaffey on Dec. 20. The Coyotes’ season has been marked by narrow defeats, including a one-point home loss to Victor Valley on Dec. 17.

The Coyotes will rely on guard Terrance Sims Jr., who scored 12 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the loss to Chaffey. Sims has been a consistent contributor, posting a 7-point, 12-rebound, 5-assist line in a win over Santa Monica on Dec. 5.

This game opens the 2026 portion of the schedule for both teams. Copper Mountain holds a significant edge in overall record, but Cerro Coso has shown resilience at home, including a November victory over Pasadena City.

The teams will meet again in a rematch at Copper Mountain on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the Cerro Coso gymnasium.