Preview: Chaffey Panthers at Palo Verde Pirates

BLYTHE, Calif. (Interstat) — Two California community college men’s basketball teams seeking consistency will meet Saturday when the Chaffey Panthers visit the Palo Verde Pirates.

The non-conference matchup, scheduled for Jan. 3, 2026, features Chaffey (6-8) and Palo Verde (3-11). Both teams last played on Dec. 20.

Chaffey enters having snapped a three-game skid with a 72-60 home victory over Cerro Coso. The Panthers were led in that game by Kajuan Thomas (14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks), Avery Garcia (13 points, 4 assists) and Gozie Ejike (15 points). Thomas, a key player for the Panthers, is averaging a double-double over his last five contests, including an 18-point, 15-rebound performance in a win over Imperial Valley on Dec. 11.

Palo Verde is looking to rebound from a 118-102 road loss to Victor Valley. The Pirates’ most recent win was a 78-76 victory over Los Angeles Pierce on Dec. 5. Guard Isaac Nevarez has been a contributor for Palo Verde, posting 12 points and 4 assists in that win and 11 points against Pasadena City the following day.

Despite their records, a projection from Interstat’s game simulator anticipates a tightly contested affair, predicting a 100-100 final score.

Chaffey holds a distinct advantage in recent performance, having won two of its last five games. Palo Verde has managed just one victory in that same stretch, though it was a close win over LA Pierce.

Following this game, Chaffey will host Victor Valley on Jan. 7 to open its conference schedule. Palo Verde will travel to face Copper Mountain on the same date.

The teams are scheduled to meet again in Fontana on Feb. 4.