Preview: Compton Tartars at El Camino Warriors

TORRANCE, Calif. (Interstat) — A tight California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball race continues Friday when the El Camino Warriors host the Compton Tartars in a rematch of an overtime thriller from just over two weeks prior.

El Camino (12-10) edged Compton (9-13) 83-79 in overtime on Jan. 21, a result that figures to fuel the visiting Tartars’ motivation. The Warriors enter with a slightly stronger overall record but have lost two straight, including a 64-59 defeat at Cerritos last Friday. Compton arrives with momentum from back-to-back narrow home victories, a 62-61 win over Long Beach on Jan. 28 and a 79-76 decision against Los Angeles Harbor on Jan. 30.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top scorers. Compton sophomore forward Ley McGovern has been a consistent force, averaging 19.0 points over his last four games. He exploded for 31 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Rio Hondo on Jan. 9 and posted 20 points and seven rebounds in the recent win over Harbor.

El Camino will counter with guard Kai Johnson, who led the Warriors with 15 points and four assists in the loss to Cerritos. His backcourt play will be critical against a Compton team that has found its defensive stride in close games.

In the Jan. 21 meeting, El Camino’s ability to force overtime on the road proved decisive. Replicating that resilience at home will be the challenge. For Compton, reversing that result hinges on closing out a tight game, something they have managed in their last two outings.

Beyond the star players, Compton’s Deuce Roberts (18 points vs. Harbor) and Keishawn Ross Jr. provide supplemental scoring. El Camino’s Landon Starnes and Justin Cricri, who combined for 19 points against Cerritos, offer balance.

The Warriors hold a slim edge in the standings, but the Tartars have demonstrated recent improvement. With both teams jockeying for playoff positioning, Friday’s contest promises high intensity as Compton seeks payback and El Camino aims to defend its home court and halt its brief skid.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the El Camino College Gymnasium.