MERED, Calif. (Interstat) — A Central Valley men’s junior college basketball rematch tips off Saturday when the Merced Blue Devils host the Porterville Pirates in a California Community College contest.

The Blue Devils (8-13) won the first meeting decisively, 82-66, on Jan. 7 at Porterville. Merced enters on a two-game winning streak following a 66-61 victory over Reedley on Wednesday. The Pirates (5-16) look to snap a four-game skid, most recently a 69-62 home loss to Fresno City on Jan. 28.

Porterville will lean on guard Jermarcus Brown, who is coming off a near triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes against Fresno City. Brown, who scored 10 points in the first matchup with Merced, has shown scoring versatility, dropping 20 points in a game earlier this month.

Merced’s offense runs through forward Quincy White, who dominated the Jan. 7 win with 25 points and 10 rebounds. White is a consistent double-double threat, having recorded 20 points and 16 rebounds in a win over Fresno City on Jan. 14. His presence inside will be a primary focus for the Pirates’ defense.

Both teams have struggled for consistency this season. Porterville’s last win was a 78-58 victory at Coalinga on Jan. 14. Merced has shown flashes, including its current streak, but has yet to win more than two consecutive games.

The game is a key opportunity for each squad to build momentum heading into the final month of conference play. Following this matchup, Porterville travels to Lemoore on Feb. 4, while Merced hosts Columbia (Calif.) on the same date.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, at Merced College.