Preview: Contra Costa Comets at Los Medanos Mustangs

PITTSBURG, Calif. (Interstat) — A tight California community college men’s basketball rivalry will add another chapter Wednesday when the Contra Costa Comets visit the Los Medanos Mustangs.

The Comets (12-8) enter with the superior record, but recent history suggests a close contest. The teams’ last two meetings have been decided by a total of nine points, including a 98-92 overtime victory for Contra Costa at home on Dec. 30.

Contra Costa is coming off an 88-76 home win against Napa Valley on Jan. 21, which snapped a two-game skid. The Comets have shown a pattern of responding to losses with wins, boasting a 5-2 record in games following a defeat this season.

The host Mustangs (8-12) seek to reverse recent fortunes after dropping their last two games, including a 102-92 loss to Alameda on Friday. Their season has been marked by offensive firepower but inconsistent results, as evidenced by a 107-103 win over Marin on Jan. 6 followed by a narrow 79-76 loss to Yuba on Jan. 21.

A key figure for Los Medanos will be Jeremiah Collins. The standout guard is entering Wednesday’s matchup on a hot streak, averaging 21.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists over his last three games. His most complete performance was a triple-double — 23 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists — in a win over Mendocino on Jan. 14.

For Contra Costa, maintaining momentum will be critical as they navigate a packed conference schedule. Their recent win over Napa Valley featured a more balanced scoring attack, a formula they will likely need to replicate on the road.

The Mustangs, looking to climb back to .500 in conference play, will rely on home-court advantage and Collins’ dynamic playmaking to finally break through against their recent nemesis. A win would also provide a crucial boost before a challenging stretch of their schedule.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday night at Los Medanos College.