SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Interstat) — A top-tier California community college men’s basketball clash is set for Saturday when the Ventura Pirates visit the Allan Hancock Bulldogs.

The Pirates (17-3), riding a seven-game winning streak, enter as one of the state’s hottest teams. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 90.2 points during the streak, capped by a 112-83 rout of Cuesta on Wednesday. Forward Jerimiyah Smith has been a consistent force, averaging a double-double over his last six games. He posted 21 points and nine rebounds in the win over Cuesta, following a stretch that included a 20-point, 10-rebound performance against Sequoias and a 14-point, 11-rebound, five-assist outing against Moorpark.

The Bulldogs (15-6) have won four of their last five, including a 75-64 road victory at Santa Barbara on Wednesday. They are anchored by forward Noah Morris, who is coming off a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double. Morris has been a rebounding machine, grabbing 17 boards against Oxnard and 15 against Cypress in recent weeks.

Ventura’s balanced attack was on full display Wednesday, with Kam’Ron Cigar scoring 22 points and Snookey Wigington adding 15 points and nine assists alongside Smith. Allan Hancock’s win over Santa Barbara featured a 20-point effort from Arlind Konjuhi.

While Ventura boasts the superior record, Allan Hancock has proven formidable at home, with decisive wins over Los Angeles Pierce and Oxnard this month. The Bulldogs’ defense, which held Cuesta to 54 points on Jan. 10, will face its stiffest test against Ventura’s high-powered offense.

This matchup is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 18 in Ventura. Saturday’s contest could have significant implications for conference standings and postseason seeding.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, at Allan Hancock College.