FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging but heavy underdog will attempt to derail a juggernaut when the Cypress Chargers visit the No. 1-ranked Fullerton Hornets in a California community college men’s basketball showdown Tuesday night.

Fullerton (22-1) has dominated the season, its lone blemish a one-point road victory. The Hornets boast the state’s best record and have won 12 consecutive games since a 60-57 home win over Santa Ana on Jan. 14. Their average margin of victory during the streak is 22.8 points, including a 95-71 rout of Santa Ana last Friday where guard Jaqari Miles exploded for 28 points in just 19 minutes.

Cypress (13-10) enters with momentum of its own, having won four straight games, most recently a 90-67 road win at Orange Coast on Feb. 6. The Chargers’ resurgence follows a mid-season slump where they lost five of six games, including a 69-52 home loss to these same Hornets on Jan. 16.

In that first meeting, Fullerton’s defense stifled Cypress, holding the Chargers to 30.9% shooting from the field. Cypress forward Mason Johnson scored 14 points in that contest and is a key to the rematch. Johnson is coming off a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) against Orange Coast and has averaged 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds over his last five games.

For Fullerton, Miles represents a constant scoring threat. Over his last seven games, the guard has averaged 11.6 points in just 18 minutes per contest, showcasing efficient offensive bursts.

The Hornets have relied on a balanced attack, with Donovan Pitts (22 points vs. Santa Ana) and Yoda Oke (13 points, 9 rebounds) providing consistent support. Cypress will need similar supplementary production from Amaan Zavahir (20 points, 9 rebounds vs. Orange Coast) and Jack Rivera (16 points, 5 assists) to challenge the state’s top team.

Tuesday’s matchup is the only scheduled meeting between the teams in Fullerton this season. The Hornets will look to maintain their hold on first place, while the Chargers aim to prove their recent win streak is a sign of legitimate contention.