BARSTOW, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams looking to build momentum will meet Saturday when the Barstow Vikings host the Chaffey Panthers in a California community college matchup.

The Panthers (8-8) enter riding a two-game win streak, including an 83-63 victory over Victor Valley on Wednesday. The Vikings (6-10) aim to rebound from a 68-81 road loss to Mount San Jacinto that same night.

Chaffey’s offense has shown high-powered potential, scoring 118 points in a win over Palo Verde on Jan. 3, but has also been prone to inconsistency. Barstow has struggled for wins recently, with just two victories in its last seven contests.

A key matchup will feature two of the region’s top performers. Chaffey will rely on guard Avery Garcia, who is coming off a 22-point, 6-rebound effort against Victor Valley. Over his last four games, Garcia has averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

Barstow counters with forward Trestyne Nguru, a consistent force who logged a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double against Santa Barbara last month. In Wednesday’s loss, Nguru nearly posted another, finishing with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists while playing the entire 40 minutes.

The Vikings won the teams’ last meeting, 72-58, on Jan. 3, 2025. They will look to defend their home court and split the season series after Chaffey took the first matchup last season.

Saturday’s game tips off at 3 p.m. PST at Barstow Community College. Chaffey’s next game is at home against Copper Mountain on Jan. 14, while Barstow travels to face San Bernardino Valley the same day. The Panthers and Vikings will complete their regular-season series in Rancho Cucamonga on Feb. 11.