OCEANSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — The MiraCosta men’s basketball team will look to halt a three-game skid and improve its position in the California community college standings when it hosts winless Imperial Valley on Saturday.

The Spartans (5-8) have struggled offensively during their losing streak, failing to reach 60 points in losses to Cerritos, Cuyamaca and Moorpark. They will be heavily favored against an Imperial Valley squad that is 0-13 and has lost its games by an average margin of 41.2 points.

MiraCosta’s Travis Snider will be a key factor. The forward is coming off a 10-point, 7-rebound performance against Moorpark and recorded a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in a narrow win over Orange Coast on Dec. 12. His consistency on the boards will be crucial for the Spartans.

Imperial Valley’s primary threat is Chrishawn Hollis. The guard is averaging 19.5 points over his last two contests, including a 25-point, 9-reburst effort in an 81-110 loss at Grossmont on Dec. 19. Teammates Brady Walker (16 points) and Amir Russell (11 points, 5 assists) also contributed in that game, but the Arabs’ defense has been a season-long issue. They have allowed 100 or more points four times, including a 156-52 defeat to San Bernardino Valley on Nov. 21.

The matchup represents a critical opportunity for MiraCosta to build momentum before a difficult road game at Grossmont next Wednesday. For Imperial Valley, the search for a first victory continues against a Spartans team they will host in a rematch on Jan. 30.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon at MiraCosta College.