Preview: Fresno City Rams at Coalinga Falcons

COALINGA, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Fresno City Rams visit the Coalinga Falcons in a California community college matchup.

The Rams (7-15) enter with a five-game losing streak, most recently an 85-60 road loss to Columbia (Calif.) on Jan. 31. Their last victory was a 69-62 win at Porterville on Jan. 28, sparked by a standout performance from guard Va’Ron Mitchell. Mitchell scored 22 points with six rebounds in 30 minutes during that victory and will be a key player for Fresno City.

The Falcons (2-20) are mired in a 10-game skid, including a 98-69 home loss to Sequoias on Jan. 31. Coalinga has struggled on both ends of the floor, allowing an average of 84.5 points during its losing streak. Guard Anthony Alvez, who had four points and an assist in 11 minutes against Columbia on Jan. 24, is a player to watch for the Falcons.

The teams last met on Jan. 10 in Fresno, where the Rams secured a 79-51 victory. Fresno City has won three of the past five meetings in the series.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest is projected to be a high-scoring affair, ending in a 100-100 tie. However, both teams have failed to reach 70 points in several recent games, suggesting defense may dictate the pace.

For Fresno City, stopping its slide is critical with a home game against Merced looming Saturday. Coalinga aims to find its footing before a road trip to Porterville on Saturday.

Tipoff is set for Wednesday night.