WALNUT, Calif. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Friday when the Mount San Antonio College Mounties host the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners in a California community college men’s basketball matchup.

The Mounties (13-3) enter the contest as one of the region’s hottest teams, having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their most recent outing was a dominant 83-53 victory over Long Beach on Jan. 14, where they showcased a balanced and stifling defensive effort.

Rio Hondo (7-10), meanwhile, looks to snap a two-game skid following a 92-84 home loss to Cerritos on that same date. The Roadrunners have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses for much of the season.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s standout performers. Mount San Antonio’s Ethan Nelson has been a force in the paint, averaging a double-double over his last six games. He posted 14 points and 12 rebounds in just 17 minutes against Long Beach, highlighting his efficiency.

Rio Hondo will rely heavily on guard Bobby Reyes, who is coming off a stellar all-around performance of 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three blocks in the loss to Cerritos. Reyes’ playmaking will be critical against a formidable Mounties defense.

The Mounties’ success has been built on both ends of the floor, with blowout wins over Orange Coast (117-76) and El Camino (88-60) highlighting their offensive firepower. Rio Hondo has shown flashes, including a tight 84-83 win over Antelope Valley in December, but has yet to string together consecutive victories since early December.

Friday’s game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 11 in Whittier. For Rio Hondo, it represents a prime opportunity to secure a season-defining upset on the road. For Mount San Antonio, it is a chance to solidify its standing and continue its march toward postseason play.

Tipoff is set for Friday, Jan. 23, at Mount San Antonio College.