Top-10 California JUCO Powers Collide as Fullerton Hosts Santa Ana

FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A midseason clash of men’s junior college basketball titans is set for Wednesday when Fullerton hosts Santa Ana in a critical California Community College Athletic Association matchup.

Both teams enter with nearly unblemished records. The Hornets (15-1) have won seven straight since their lone defeat, a 39-37 defensive struggle against Santa Monica on Dec. 17. The visiting Dons (14-1) saw their perfect season end last Wednesday in a 104-93 shootout loss to Santiago Canyon but rebounded with an 83-66 road win at Orange Coast on Friday.

The game features a compelling duel between standout forwards. Fullerton is led by Yoda Oke, a dominant force who posted a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double in 39 minutes against Riverside last Friday. Over his last four games, Oke is averaging 24.5 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Santa Ana counters with Cameron Swist, who bounced back from a quiet 5-point outing in the loss to Santiago Canyon by scoring 18 points with 6 rebounds and 4 assists against Orange Coast. Swist has been a consistent all-around contributor for the Dons’ high-powered offense.

In their last outings, Fullerton’s Brayden Smith (17 points) and Trey Thompson (21 points) provided key support in the win over Riverside. For Santa Ana, Christien Jimenez dished out 11 assists and Aaron De Santiago added 13 points and 7 rebounds in the victory at Orange Coast.

The Hornets’ defense, which has held opponents to 64 points or fewer in three of their last four games, will be tested by a Santa Ana squad averaging 86.4 points per contest. Fullerton averages 84.1 points per game.

This meeting is the first of a home-and-home series between the rivals, who will meet again at Santa Ana on Friday, Feb. 6.

Wednesday’s winner will gain an early edge in the conference title race and a strong claim to the state’s top ranking.

Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. PST at Fullerton College.