Top California JUCO Teams Set for Showdown Wednesday

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal men’s junior college basketball matchup with potential conference title implications is set for Wednesday when the Mount San Jacinto Eagles visit the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines.

Both teams enter the contest ranked among the state’s elite, with San Bernardino Valley at 19-5 and Mount San Jacinto at 18-5. The Wolverines hold a slight edge in the standings and won the first meeting this season, 71-65, at Mount San Jacinto on Jan. 10.

The Eagles, however, arrive with momentum from a five-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was an 85-64 road win at Barstow on Feb. 7, powered by a 20-point, 7-rebound performance from standout guard Willie Miller. Miller’s backcourt play will be critical for Mount San Jacinto’s chances.

San Bernardino Valley counters with its own dynamic guard in Lincoln Liggins, who is coming off a 14-point, 8-rebound game in a 92-75 win at Desert on Feb. 7. Liggins has been a consistent force for the Wolverines, who have won seven consecutive games, often by wide margins. Their offense has been explosive, topping 120 points twice during the streak.

The game features two of the region’s most efficient teams. Mount San Jacinto has shown resilience in close games, including a one-point win over Copper Mountain on Jan. 28. San Bernardino Valley has dominated most of its schedule, with its last five wins coming by an average of 27.4 points.

Wednesday’s rematch offers the Eagles an opportunity to avenge their earlier loss and tighten the conference race, while the Wolverines can solidify their top position with a season sweep.

The game is scheduled for a 5 p.m. PST tipoff at San Bernardino Valley College.