Preview: Mounties Visit Huskies in Key California JUCO Clash

WALNUT, Calif. (Interstat) — A high-stakes rematch awaits Friday night as the state-leading Mount San Antonio College Mounties visit the East Los Angeles College Huskies in a men’s junior college basketball game.

The Mounties (17-3), whose only loss since early January came against Cerritos, bring a six-game winning streak into the contest. They narrowly defeated the Huskies 87-80 in the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 21. East Los Angeles (13-8) has won three straight since that loss, including a 76-75 victory over Los Angeles Trade Tech last Wednesday.

All eyes will be on Mount SAC sophomore guard Dayvon Gates, who orchestrated the January win over East L.A. with 16 points and 12 assists. Gates is averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 assists over his last five games, including a 20-point, 6-rebound performance in a 73-69 overtime win at Trade Tech on Jan. 30.

The Huskies counter with forward Terrence Hampton, who posted a double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) in the narrow win over Trade Tech. In the first matchup against Mount SAC, Hampton recorded 11 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. His interior presence will be critical against a deep Mounties frontcourt that features Jeremy Williams (24 points vs. Trade Tech) and rim-protector Omari Abdallah.

Mount San Antonio’s offense has been potent, scoring 84 or more points in four of their last five games. East Los Angeles has shown resilience in close games, with its last three victories decided by a total of 10 points.

A Huskies win would tighten the conference standings and avenging the earlier loss. A Mounties victory would solidify their top ranking and complete a regular-season sweep.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST at East Los Angeles College. The game is organized by the California Community College Athletic Association.

Mount San Antonio’s next game is at Rio Hondo on Feb. 11. East Los Angeles travels to West Valley on Feb. 9.