BARSTOW, Calif. (Interstat) — The Barstow College Vikings will look to build on a narrow road victory and improve their conference standing when they host the Desert College Roadrunners in a California Community College men’s basketball matchup on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

The Vikings (9-12) edged Palo Verde 81-79 on Wednesday behind a strong performance from forward Trestyne Nguru, who scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Nguru has been a consistent force, averaging 22.5 points and 6.5 rebounds over his last four full games. He will be a primary focus for a Desert team seeking to snap a five-game skid.

The Roadrunners (5-14) are coming off a 100-56 road loss to Copper Mountain on Jan. 24. Their last outing was a 92-87 overtime defeat to Chaffey on Jan. 21, where guard Jayse Creavalle shined with 27 points and six assists. Creavalle has shown high-level playmaking ability, including a 13-point, 10-assist double-double in a win over Cerro Coso on Jan. 10, and will need a similar all-around effort for Desert to compete.

Barstow won the season’s first meeting decisively, 61-46, at Desert on Dec. 20, 2025. The Vikings have won two of their last three, while the Roadrunners’ only victory in their last nine games came against Cerro Coso earlier this month.

Saturday’s contest is the start of a critical second half of conference play for both teams. Barstow will visit Victor Valley on Feb. 4, while Desert travels to face Mount San Jacinto on the same date.