Struggling Teams Seek Turnaround in Junior College Matchup

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams mired in difficult seasons will look to halt losing streaks when the Santa Monica Corsairs host the Los Angeles Valley Monarchs on Saturday.

The California community college matchup features teams with a combined record of 9-21. Santa Monica (4-12) has lost two straight, most recently a 66-82 road defeat at Bakersfield on Jan. 7. Los Angeles Valley (5-9) is on a four-game skid, including a 68-98 home loss to Citrus on Wednesday.

Both sides will rely on key performers to spark an offense. The Monarchs are led by Andy Porcayo, who is coming off a standout 25-point, 6-rebound effort in the loss to Citrus. Over his last three games, Porcayo is averaging 13.3 points. Forward Deng Lual also provides a presence inside, pulling down 16 rebounds in the same contest.

For the Corsairs, Jontue Cooper has been a consistent contributor, averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds over his last two outings. He posted 11 points and 8 rebounds in the loss to Bakersfield. Guard Jerrell McCready added 13 points in that game.

The Monarchs’ recent struggles include a 48-62 loss at Irvine Valley on Dec. 30. Their last win was a 57-55 victory over Cuesta on Dec. 11. Santa Monica’s season has been marked by narrow defeats and blowouts, including a 39-37 win over Fullerton on Dec. 17 sandwiched between several double-digit losses.

Saturday’s game represents a chance for either team to build momentum as conference play deepens. The rematch is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Los Angeles Valley.