Palomar Aims to Continue Winning Ways Against Rival San Diego Mesa

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (Interstat) — The Palomar Comets, riding a three-game winning streak, will host the San Diego Mesa Olympians in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.

Palomar (8-4) enters the contest with momentum following an 88-87 overtime victory over Pasadena City on Tuesday. The Comets have won four of their last five games. San Diego Mesa (6-9) snapped a two-game skid with a 67-50 road win at Cuyamaca on Tuesday.

A key player to watch for the Comets is forward Tore-Andre Gray, who is coming off a double-double performance with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Pasadena City. Over his last four games, Gray has averaged 10.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest, providing a consistent interior presence.

The Olympians will look to build on their defensive effort from Tuesday, where they held Cuyamaca to 50 points. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, however, with the team alternating wins and losses frequently throughout December.

This matchup is the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs this season. They will meet again at San Diego Mesa on Friday, Jan. 30. The rivalry game often carries significance in the conference standings.

Palomar holds the superior overall record and has shown a potent offense, scoring 95 points or more in two of its last five outings. San Diego Mesa has struggled offensively at times, being held under 70 points in six of its nine losses.

The Comets’ upcoming schedule includes a road game at Cuyamaca on Jan. 7. The Olympians will next host San Diego Miramar on Jan. 7.

Tip-off is set for Saturday at Palomar College.