Preview: Citrus Owls Visit Los Angeles Valley Monarchs in California Community College Action

GLENDALE, Calif. (Interstat) — The state’s top-ranked men’s junior college basketball team hits the road Wednesday as the Citrus Owls, riding a nine-game winning streak, face the Los Angeles Valley Monarchs.

The Owls (12-1), whose only loss came in double-overtime to Fullerton in November, are averaging 101.2 points per game during their streak. They last played on Jan. 2, escaping with an 82-78 overtime win at Sequoias. Star guard Dev Hamilton powered that victory with 33 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes.

Hamilton, a leading state player of the year candidate, has been dominant. He is averaging 21.5 points and 6.5 rebounds over his last four contests, including a 33-point performance at Sequoias and a 24-point outing against Riverside.

The Monarchs (5-8) have struggled recently, losing four straight, including an 82-60 home defeat to Ventura on Jan. 3. They will look to forward Deng Lual to provide a spark. Lual is coming off a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double in that loss and had a 21-point, 12-rebound game in a win over Barstow on Dec. 12.

Citrus won last season’s meetings by an average of 38 points. The teams will meet again in Glendora on Jan. 31.

For Los Angeles Valley, slowing Hamilton and the high-octane Citrus offense is the primary challenge. The Monarchs have not allowed more than 82 points in their last five games but have also failed to score more than 62 in their last four outings.

Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. PST at Monarchs Gymnasium.