Preview: Citrus Looks to Continue Dominance at Antelope Valley

LANCASTER, Calif. (Interstat) — The state’s top-ranked men’s junior college basketball team hits the road Wednesday as the Citrus College Owls, boasting a 19-1 overall record, visit the Antelope Valley College Marauders.

The matchup, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, pits a powerhouse against a squad seeking consistency. Citrus has won nine straight games since its only loss, including a 119-72 rout of Los Angeles Valley on Jan. 31. Antelope Valley (10-9) looks to rebound from a heartbreaking 64-63 loss at Canyons on the same day.

Citrus has dominated this series recently, hammering the Marauders 103-80 in their first meeting this season on Jan. 10 in Glendora. In that game, Citrus forward Rockwell Reynolds scored 14 points with five rebounds. Reynolds enters Wednesday on a hot streak, averaging 14.4 points over his last seven games and coming off a 22-point performance in just 21 minutes against LA Valley.

The Marauders will counter with forward Ripine Vagaia, who has been a bright spot. Vagaia posted 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in the narrow loss to Canyons and will be central to Antelope Valley’s hopes for an upset.

Beyond Reynolds, Citrus features a deep and balanced attack. In the win over LA Valley, Dylan Victorio added 14 points and JJ Sanchez had 14 points with five assists. The Owls’ offense has been explosive, scoring over 100 points in four of their last seven contests.

Antelope Valley has shown resilience, winning three of its last five games prior to the Canyons defeat. In their Jan. 28 win over LA Valley, Mister Burnside led the way with 19 points and seven rebounds.

The Marauders will need a significant defensive improvement to slow the Citrus juggernaut. In the Jan. 10 meeting, Citrus shot 54% from the field and forced 18 turnovers.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Antelope Valley College. Citrus will host Canyons on Saturday, while Antelope Valley travels to Bakersfield.