Preview: Desert Roadrunners at Palo Verde Pirates

BRAWLEY, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Desert Roadrunners visit the Palo Verde Pirates in a California Community College Athletic Association matchup.

The game, scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026, pits teams with a combined 7-24 record. Desert (4-11) enters coming off one of its best performances of the season, an 82-76 home victory over Cerro Coso on Saturday. Palo Verde (3-13) looks to rebound from a 90-77 road loss to Copper Mountain last Wednesday.

Desert’s offense found its rhythm in the win, led by a standout performance from point guard Jayse Creavalle. The player to watch posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in 35 minutes. He was complemented by De’miem King’s game-high 27 points and Lee’Tron Turner’s 19 points and six assists.

Creavalle has been a consistent facilitator, averaging 7.2 assists over his last five games, including a 10-assist effort in the recent win.

Palo Verde has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 96.5 points in its last four contests. Its most recent win was a narrow 88-83 victory at Barstow on Dec. 17. The Pirates will need to contain Desert’s emerging trio to snap a three-game skid.

Despite the teams’ records, a neutral projection suggests a tight contest. Interstat’s game simulator forecasts a 100-100 draw.

This game opens a critical stretch for both squads as conference play deepens. Desert will travel to Victor Valley on Saturday, while Palo Verde faces a road test at Mount San Jacinto the same day.

Wednesday’s tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at Palo Verde College.