Preview: Citrus College Visits Canyons in Key California JUCO Clash

GLENDALE, Calif. (Interstat) — The state’s top-ranked junior college men’s basketball team hits the road Wednesday as the Citrus College Owls, riding a nine-game win streak, face the College of the Canyons Cougars.

The Owls (14-1), whose only loss came in double-overtime in November, have been dominant, averaging 99.2 points during their streak. They are coming off a 103-80 rout of Antelope Valley on Saturday where guard JJ Sanchez posted 16 points and eight assists. Sanchez has been a consistent catalyst, averaging 16.5 points and 5.5 assists over his last four games.

Canyons (9-6) looks to rebound after a narrow 68-64 road loss to Antelope Valley last Wednesday. The Cougars have shown resilience at home, winning three of their last four in Santa Clarita. They will lean on forward Dwayne Boston Jr., who is averaging 15.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He scored 21 points with seven rebounds in the loss to Antelope Valley.

The matchup pits Citrus’s high-octane offense against a Canyons squad that has held opponents to an average of 72.3 points in its wins. Containing Sanchez and the Owls’ transition game will be a primary challenge for the Cougars’ defense.

This contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 7 in Glendale. Wednesday’s tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at the Cougar Cage.