MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (Interstat) — The state’s top-ranked junior college men’s basketball team hits the road Friday as the Fullerton Hornets visit the Saddleback Bobcats in a California Community College Athletic Association matchup.

Fullerton (19-1) brings a dominant record and a nine-game winning streak into the contest, having steamrolled most opponents. Their lone loss was a 39-37 defensive struggle at Santa Monica in mid-December. The Hornets are coming off a 96-68 rout of Orange Coast last Friday, where Brayden Smith scored 18 points.

Smith, a key player for the Hornets, is averaging a double-double over his last five games. He posted 12 points and 12 rebounds against Santa Ana on Jan. 14 and had 17 points and seven rebounds at Riverside on Jan. 9. In the teams’ first meeting this season, a 98-60 Fullerton victory on Jan. 7, Smith contributed 10 points and four rebounds in just 22 minutes.

Saddleback (10-10) looks to rebound from a heartbreaking 76-75 loss to Santiago Canyon last Friday, a game in which Charlie Stallings recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Stallings has been a bright spot for the .500 Bobcats, scoring in double figures in four of his last five outings, including 11 points in the prior loss to Fullerton.

The Bobcats have shown resilience, winning two of their last three overtime games, but face a steep challenge against a Hornets squad that has won by an average of 28 points during its current streak. Fullerton’s defense has been particularly stifling, holding opponents to 60 points or fewer in three of its last six games.

The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Saddleback College. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for children ages 6-12, seniors 60 and over, and military with ID. Parking is $5.

Following this game, Fullerton will host Riverside on Feb. 4, while Saddleback travels to Irvine Valley the same day.