Top-Ranked Claim Jumpers Visit Merced in Conference Showdown

MERCED, Calif. (Interstat) — The state-leading Columbia (Calif.) Claim Jumpers, riding a nine-game winning streak, visit the Merced Blue Devils in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night.

Columbia (18-3 overall), ranked in the state, has dominated conference play. The Claim Jumpers’ last loss was on Dec. 20. They handily defeated Merced 74-56 in their first meeting this season on Jan. 10, part of a current run where they have won by an average margin of 18.2 points.

The Blue Devils (9-13), meanwhile, have shown recent improvement, winning three of their last four games, including a 61-47 victory over Porterville on Saturday. They will look to leverage home court to spring a major upset against the conference powerhouse.

A key matchup will feature Columbia’s formidable forward Ahsan Huff against Merced’s guard William Oshields Jr. Huff is coming off a remarkable all-around performance in an 85-60 rout of Fresno City, where he posted 18 rebounds, 8 points, 6 assists and 3 blocks in just one minute of play, a statistical anomaly likely indicating a data entry error but underscoring his productivity. Teammates Johnnie Jones (19 points) and Aharon Young (14 points) provided scoring punch.

Oshields Jr. has been a catalyst for Merced, scoring 17 points in the win over Porterville and averaging 16 points in his last two victories. His backcourt play will be critical against Columbia’s stifling defense.

Columbia’s depth has been a season-long asset, with consistent contributions across the roster during their streak. Merced will need to control the tempo and limit second-chance opportunities to compete. The Blue Devils’ 69-65 home win over Fresno City on Jan. 14 proves they can challenge top-tier teams on their home floor.

Wednesday’s contest is the second of a two-game conference series between the teams this season. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Merced College Gymnasium.