SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Interstat) — A struggling Los Angeles Pierce squad seeks to snap a six-game skid when it visits a surging College of the Canyons in a California community college men’s basketball matchup Saturday.

The Brahmas (4-10) enter the contest reeling, having lost nine of their last 10 games. Their most recent outing was a 99-80 home loss to Bakersfield on Tuesday. Pierce will lean on guard Mandell Anthony, who is coming off a near triple-double with 13 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in that defeat. Over his last seven games, Anthony has averaged 11.1 points and 4.7 assists.

The host Cougars (8-5), meanwhile, have won five of their last seven despite a 92-79 loss to Mount San Antonio on Tuesday. Canyons has been bolstered by the efficient scoring of Thomas Pickens. The guard is averaging 18.2 points per game over his last five contests, including a 22-point performance in the loss to Mount San Antonio. He shot 8 for 11 from the field in that game.

Canyons holds a distinct advantage in recent momentum and record. The Cougars’ offense has consistently produced, scoring 80 or more points in four of their last five wins. Pierce has struggled defensively during its losing streak, allowing an average of 86.8 points per game in those six losses.

The game tips off at 5 p.m. PST on Jan. 3 at the Cougar Cage. It is the final non-conference tune-up for both teams before Western State Conference play begins next week. Pierce opens conference play at home against Ventura on Jan. 7, while Canyons travels to face Antelope Valley the same night.