Struggling Long Beach Vikings Face Uphill Battle at Cerritos Falcons

NORWALK, Calif. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Wednesday night when the surging Cerritos College Falcons host the reeling Long Beach City College Vikings in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball matchup.

The Falcons (18-4), ranked seventh in the state, enter as heavy favorites against a Vikings squad mired in a prolonged slump. Long Beach (4-17) has lost nine of its last ten games, including an 82-72 home defeat to Los Angeles Southwest last Friday. Their last victory came on Jan. 7.

Cerritos, meanwhile, has won seven of its last eight, most recently a 64-59 defensive struggle against El Camino on Jan. 30. That victory showcased the all-around prowess of sophomore forward Dorian Tate, who posted 21 points and 11 rebounds. Tate has been a consistent force, averaging a double-double over his last five contests.

The Vikings will rely on the standout individual efforts of guard Kamron Fontenot, who has been a bright spot during the losing streak. Fontenot is coming off a 23-point, 9-rebound performance in a narrow 62-61 loss at Compton on Jan. 28 and has scored in double figures in six of his last seven outings.

Team statistics underscore the challenge for Long Beach. The Vikings have allowed 83 points or more in five of their last ten losses. Cerritos, known for its balanced scoring and defensive discipline, has held opponents under 70 points in three of its last five wins.

This game is the first of a regular-season home-and-home series between the South Coast Conference rivals. They will meet again at Long Beach on Feb. 20.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at Cerritos College’s Falcon Gymnasium.