LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Canyons Cougars and Los Angeles Valley Monarchs, two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum, will meet Saturday in a California community college matchup.

The Cougars (9-7) visit the Monarchs (5-11) on Jan. 17, 2026, with both sides looking to halt recent slides. Canyons has dropped two straight, including a 99-82 home loss to Citrus on Wednesday. Los Angeles Valley has lost five consecutive games, most recently a 96-73 defeat at West Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Canyons will lean on forward Dwayne Boston Jr., who has been a consistent performer despite the team’s struggles. Boston is coming off a 21-point, 8-rebound effort against Citrus and has averaged 18.8 points and 7.6 rebounds over his last five games. Thomas Pickens, who scored 23 points in the Citrus loss, provides additional scoring punch.

The Monarchs counter with guard Andy Porcayo, a versatile playmaker who has shouldered a heavy load. Porcayo is averaging 15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists over his last four contests. He posted 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks in the loss to West Los Angeles.

Historically, the teams will see each other again next month, but Saturday’s contest offers a chance for immediate regrouping. Canyons, with a winning record, aims to avoid a letdown against a struggling opponent on the road. For Los Angeles Valley, the game represents an opportunity to snap its skid and gain a crucial conference victory at home.

The matchup hinges on Canyons’ ability to leverage its superior record and interior presence against a Valley team reliant on Porcayo’s all-around game. The Monarchs will need to find defensive answers after allowing an average of 88 points during their five-game losing streak.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday at Los Angeles Valley College.