SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Interstat) — The surging Santa Rosa Bear Cubs will look to maintain their hold on the California community college men’s basketball standings when they host the Diablo Valley Vikings in a conference rematch Friday night.

Santa Rosa (16-4) enters with a commanding record, having won five of its last six games. The Bear Cubs previously defeated Diablo Valley (9-10) 86-73 on the road just four weeks ago on Jan. 2. In that victory, sophomore forward Travis Hightower dominated with 27 points and nine rebounds, setting a high bar for the rematch.

Hightower remains the focal point for Santa Rosa. He is coming off a 24-point, nine-rebound performance in a win over San Joaquin Delta on Jan. 23 and has been a consistent double-double threat all season. His inside presence will challenge a Diablo Valley defense that has struggled recently, allowing an average of 78 points in its last three losses.

The Vikings, meanwhile, are seeking consistency and an upset to revive their season. They are led by guard Mozell Wilson, who is coming off one of his best performances. Wilson scored 18 points and dished four assists in a narrow 73-70 home loss to Sierra on Tuesday. His scoring punch will be vital for a team that has lost two of its last three.

Diablo Valley’s recent results have been a rollercoaster, featuring wins over American River and San Joaquin Delta but also lopsided losses to Modesto and Cosumnes River. Containing Hightower and improving defensive intensity will be paramount against a Santa Rosa squad that averages over 80 points per game at home.

The Bear Cubs have established themselves as a regional power, while the Vikings aim to play spoiler and level the season series. Tipoff is set for Friday, Jan. 30, at Santa Rosa Junior College.