Preview: Merced Blue Devils at Sequoias Giants

VISALIA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Sequoias men’s basketball team will look to continue its dominance at home when it hosts a Merced squad riding a modest win streak in a California community college matchup Wednesday.

The Giants (13-5) have won four consecutive games, most recently a commanding 87-53 victory over Fresno City on Saturday. They are 8-1 at home this season. The Blue Devils (6-12) have won two straight, including a 69-61 win over Coalinga on Saturday, but face a steep challenge on the road.

The game features a compelling matchup in the frontcourt. Sequoias is led by Cameron Kelly, who is coming off a 24-point, 8-rebound performance against Fresno City. Over his last four games, Kelly is averaging 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.

Merced will counter with Quincy White, who has been instrumental during the team’s recent wins. White posted a 20-point, 16-rebound double-double in a win over Fresno City on Jan. 14 and followed with 25 points and 10 rebounds in a victory at Porterville on Jan. 7.

Sequoias’ offense has been explosive during its win streak, averaging 91.5 points per game in that span. Guard Mason Dorsey recorded a triple-double (6 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) in the latest win, facilitating a balanced attack.

Merced’s wins have been lower-scoring, defensive affairs, with the team allowing an average of just 63 points in its last two outings. Containing the Giants’ high-powered offense will be their primary test.

The Giants won the only meeting between the programs last season. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Merced on Feb. 14.

Following Wednesday’s contest, Sequoias travels to Porterville on Saturday. Merced visits Lemoore on Saturday.