BARSTOW, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Barstow Vikings host the Victor Valley Rams in a California Community College Athletic Association matchup.

The game tips off Jan. 3, 2026, with both teams looking to improve modest records. Barstow enters at 5-9 overall, while Victor Valley sits at 4-11.

The Vikings are coming off a strong defensive performance in a 61-46 road win over Desert on Dec. 20. Forward Peter Oguama dominated that contest, recording 17 points and 17 rebounds. Oguama has been a consistent force for Barstow, posting a 24-point, 19-rebound game against El Camino on Dec. 11 and averaging a double-double over his last five outings.

Victor Valley also won its most recent game, a 118-102 shootout victory over Palo Verde on Dec. 20. The Rams’ season has been marked by inconsistency, however, with the win snapping a three-game skid. A player to watch for the Rams is Raoul Churchill, who scored 21 points with 7 rebounds in a win at Los Angeles Pierce on Dec. 6. His production has varied, making his performance a potential key for Victor Valley.

Historically, these Inland Empire rivals play tight contests, adding intrigue despite the sub-.500 records. Both teams will look to establish an early advantage in what is the first of a home-and-home series this season; they are scheduled to meet again at Victor Valley on Feb. 4.

The game is the conference opener for both squads. Barstow will aim to protect its home court behind Oguama’s interior presence, while Victor Valley hopes its high-scoring offense from its last outing can travel for the road trip.