SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A surging San Diego City College men’s basketball team looks to continue its strong start when it hosts a struggling Cuyamaca squad in a California community college matchup Friday night.

The Knights (9-5) have won five of their last seven games and return home after a 78-66 loss to Fullerton on Dec. 30. They will be heavily favored against the visiting Coyotes (6-8), who have lost four of their last five, including a 67-50 home defeat to San Diego Mesa on that same Tuesday.

A key player to watch for San Diego City is Dylan Griffin, who has been a consistent force. Over his last four games, Griffin is averaging 19 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest. He posted a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds in an overtime loss to Saddleback on Dec. 13 and scored 21 points in a road loss at Fullerton the previous day.

Cuyamaca seeks to reverse its recent fortunes, which have been defined by offensive struggles. The Coyotes have failed to reach 70 points in six of their eight losses this season. Their most recent win was a 62-57 victory over MiraCosta on Dec. 19.

San Diego City’s schedule shows a potent offense, having scored 104 points in a win over Grossmont on Dec. 17 and 88 in a victory at San Diego Mesa two days later. Defense has been a hallmark for Cuyamaca at times, holding opponents under 70 points in all six of their wins.

This game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They will meet again at Cuyamaca on Friday, Feb. 6.

Friday’s contest tips off a critical stretch for both teams as they enter the heart of their conference schedules. San Diego City will travel to San Diego Miramar on Jan. 14, while Cuyamaca will host San Diego Mesa on the same date.