COPPER MOUNTAIN, Calif. (Interstat) — The Copper Mountain Fighting Cacti, riding a two-game win streak, will host the struggling Palo Verde Pirates in a California community college men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night.

Copper Mountain (10-5) enters the contest following a 60-51 road victory over Cerro Coso on Saturday. The Fighting Cacti have won four of their last six games and will look to capitalize on home court against a Pirates team they defeated 2-0 just last month on Dec. 7.

A key player for the Fighting Cacti is forward Amarion Wallace, who is coming off a 10-point, 7-rebound performance against Cerro Coso. Wallace has been a consistent force, posting a double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds in a narrow win over Desert on Dec. 13 and adding 15 points and 10 rebounds in a victory at Santiago Canyon on Dec. 9.

Palo Verde (3-12) seeks to halt a five-game skid, most recently suffering a 118-68 home defeat to Chaffey on Saturday. The Pirates’ defense has been a persistent issue, allowing an average of 96.2 points during their current losing streak. Their only win in the past month was an 88-83 road victory at Barstow on Dec. 17.

The teams’ previous meeting this season resulted in a forfeit victory for Copper Mountain. Wednesday’s game offers Palo Verde a chance for on-court redemption but requires a significant turnaround to challenge the more balanced Fighting Cacti squad.

Following this game, Copper Mountain will travel to face Victor Valley on Saturday, Jan. 10. Palo Verde’s next contest is at home against Desert on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Blythe on Saturday, Feb. 7.