SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — A tight Big 8 Conference rematch is set for Friday when the Sacramento City Panthers host the Diablo Valley Vikings in a California community college men’s basketball game.

The Panthers (8-15) edged the Vikings (9-11) 82-78 in Pleasant Hill on Jan. 8, a result that adds a layer of urgency to this contest for the visiting team. Both squads enter looking to build on recent victories after struggling through much of January. Diablo Valley is coming off a 57-63 overtime road loss to Santa Rosa last Friday, while Sacramento City posted an 87-87 home win over American River on Tuesday.

A key player to watch for Diablo Valley is guard Mozell Wilson. He scored 12 points in the first meeting against Sacramento City this season and is coming off an 18-point performance in a narrow loss to Sierra on Jan. 27. His backcourt play will be critical for the Vikings’ offense.

Sacramento City will counter with Jaydon Bonds, who is entering the game in strong form. Bonds delivered a dominant 28-point, 6-rebound performance in a 97-64 rout of Folsom Lake on Jan. 27. His ability to score and defend multiple positions will be a focal point for the Panthers.

The matchup features two teams seeking consistency. Diablo Valley’s season has been marked by narrow defeats, including three losses by four points or fewer in January. Sacramento City has shown a higher ceiling in blowout wins but has also suffered several lopsided losses.

Following this game, Diablo Valley will host Folsom Lake on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Sacramento City hits the road for its next contest, facing San Joaquin Delta on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Tipoff is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, at Sacramento City College.