Preview: Chabot Gladiators at Skyline Trojans

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams trending in opposite directions will meet Wednesday when the Chabot Gladiators visit the Skyline Trojans in a California Community College men’s basketball matchup.

The Gladiators (11-3) enter on a hot streak, having won four of their last five games. Their most recent victory was a 71-60 home win over Feather River this past Saturday. Chabot’s offense has been potent, scoring 80 or more points in six games this season, including a 95-point outburst against Lassen in November. Their three losses have been by an average of just 6.3 points, with two coming on the road.

Skyline (8-6), meanwhile, looks to rebound from a narrow 71-68 road loss to Reedley on Saturday. The Trojans have shown flashes of strong play, particularly at home where they handily defeated Diablo Valley 91-74 earlier this month. However, consistency has been an issue, as evidenced by a 28-point loss to Santa Rosa and a 29-point defeat to Marin in November.

Chabot’s strength appears to be its ability to win close games, exemplified by an 81-80 nail-biter at Diablo Valley last month. Skyline counters with a mix of high-scoring performances and defensive struggles, having allowed 86 points or more in three of their six losses.

This game marks the start of conference play for both teams and sets the tone for a home-and-home series this month. The two will meet again at Chabot on Jan. 30.

The Gladiators will rely on their efficient offense and winning momentum. The Trojans must leverage their home court advantage and find defensive stability to counter Chabot’s scoring threats. With both teams eyeing a strong start to the conference schedule, Wednesday’s contest provides an early test of their postseason aspirations.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday night at Skyline College.