RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal California community college men’s basketball rematch is set for Tuesday when the Riverside Tigers visit the Irvine Valley Lasers.

The Tigers (14-9) edged the Lasers (12-11) 78-76 in their first meeting on Jan. 16 and will look to complete the season sweep. Riverside enters with momentum from an 80-54 rout of Saddleback last Friday, while Irvine Valley seeks to end a five-game skid following a 76-70 loss at Santiago Canyon.

Riverside guard Tylon Williams, who scored seven points in the January win over Irvine Valley, is coming off a strong performance. He posted 17 points and seven rebounds in 27 minutes against Saddleback. Over his last five games, Williams is averaging 9.2 points.

Irvine Valley will rely on forward Matt Mowers, who has been a bright spot during the losing streak. He is averaging 17.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over his last five contests, including a 22-point effort in the loss to Santiago Canyon.

The Tigers have won four of their last six games, with their offense erupting for 105 points in a win over Orange Coast on Jan. 30. Their defense, however, has been inconsistent, allowing 83 points in a loss to Fullerton on Feb. 4.

The Lasers have struggled offensively during their slump, scoring 70 points or fewer in four of the five losses. They were held to a season-low 38 points by Fullerton on Jan. 28.

In the Jan. 16 matchup, Riverside’s Kollen Murphy hit a jumper with four seconds remaining for the win. Murphy is averaging 12.0 points this season.

Tuesday’s result will impact the conference standings as both teams jockey for playoff positioning. Following this game, Riverside visits Santa Ana on Thursday, while Irvine Valley hosts Orange Coast.