Preview: Saddleback Bobcats at Riverside Tigers

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — A key California community college men’s basketball rematch tips off Friday night when the Riverside Tigers host the Saddleback Bobcats.

The Tigers (13-8) look to complete a regular-season sweep after a decisive 77-59 road victory over the Bobcats on Jan. 14. Riverside enters on a three-game winning streak, including a 105-62 rout of Orange Coast last Friday. In that win, guard PJ Pounds scored 18 points in just 14 minutes off the bench.

Pounds has been a consistent force for Riverside. In the Jan. 14 win over Saddleback, he recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. For the season, he averages a near double-double and provides a major interior presence.

The Saddleback Bobcats (11-11) seek to level the season series and break a .500 stalemate. They are coming off a 72-66 home loss to Fullerton last Friday, despite a strong performance from forward Charlie Stallings, who posted 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Stallings, Saddleback’s player to watch, will be central to any rebound effort. His double-double against Fullerton highlighted his ability to impact both ends of the floor. The Bobcats have shown resilience, with a 3-3 record in their last six games, but consistency has eluded them.

Riverside’s recent surge has been fueled by balanced scoring and defense, holding opponents to an average of 64 points during their current win streak. Saddleback must improve its offensive efficiency after being held under 60 points in the previous meeting.

Following this matchup, Saddleback hosts Santa Ana on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Riverside travels to face Irvine Valley the same night.

Friday’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. PST tipoff at Riverside City College.