SANTA ANA, Calif. (Interstat) — A rematch of one of the season’s tightest games highlights the California community college men’s basketball slate Friday as the No. 1-ranked Fullerton Hornets visit the Santa Ana Dons.

The Hornets (21-1), whose lone loss came in non-conference play, have been the state’s dominant force. They edged Santa Ana 60-57 in the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 14, a defensive struggle that represents Fullerton’s closest margin of victory this season.

Santa Ana (17-4), seeking to solidify its playoff positioning, will have home-court advantage and revenge on its mind. The Dons have dropped two of their last three, including a 75-70 road loss to Santiago Canyon last Friday.

Fullerton is led by Brayden Smith, a versatile forward coming off a 20-point, 13-rebound, four-block performance in a 72-66 win at Saddleback on Jan. 30. His interior presence anchors both ends of the floor for the Hornets.

The Dons counter with guard Aaron De Santiago, who scored a team-high 21 points in the recent loss to Santiago Canyon. In the first matchup against Fullerton, De Santiago posted 16 points and seven rebounds. His backcourt play will be critical for Santa Ana’s offensive flow against Fullerton’s stout defense.

Since the Jan. 14 loss to Fullerton, Santa Ana has gone 4-2. Fullerton has won seven straight, with only the three-point victory over Santa Ana and a one-point win at Santiago Canyon decided by fewer than 10 points.

Friday’s outcome will have significant implications for the Orange Empire Conference standings. A Santa Ana win would tighten the race and provide a major resume boost, while a Fullerton victory would further cement its top seeding for the postseason.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Santa Ana College.