Preview: Compton Tartars at Cerritos Falcons

NORWALK, Calif. (Interstat) — A lopsided rematch awaits Wednesday when the state-ranked Cerritos Falcons host the Compton Tartars in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball game.

The Falcons (20-4), riding a five-game winning streak, dominated the first meeting on Jan. 23, routing the Tartars 88-58. Cerritos has established itself as one of the region’s top teams, while Compton (10-14) seeks consistency and a signature road upset.

Cerritos is powered by sophomore forward Dorian Tate, who is coming off a 26-point, 10-rebound performance in an 86-69 win over Los Angeles Southwest on Feb. 6. In the last six games, Tate has averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, including a 12-point effort in the earlier win over Compton.

The Tartars counter with forward Israel Nansha, a defensive force who posted 13 rebounds and five blocks in Compton’s 73-70 road win at El Camino on Feb. 6. Nansha had 7 points and 10 rebounds against Cerritos last month, but the Tartars were undone by 34.4% shooting from the field.

Compton has shown recent resilience, winning three of its last five, including narrow victories over Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbor. However, defensive focus will be paramount against a high-scoring Cerritos squad that has averaged 82.8 points during its current streak.

For Cerritos, the game is a chance to solidify its standing before a pivotal stretch against conference rivals. For Compton, it’s an opportunity for redemption and to derail a juggernaut on its home floor. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at The Aviary.