Preview: Palomar Comets at Imperial Valley Arabs

IMPERIAL, Calif. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Wednesday night when the surging Palomar Comets visit the winless Imperial Valley Arabs in a California Community College men’s basketball matchup.

Palomar (15-7) enters as a heavy favorite, having dominated the first meeting this season 129-62 on Jan. 14. The Comets are looking to rebound from a narrow 80-79 overtime loss to San Diego Miramar last Friday, a game in which Jaidyn Norman posted a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double and Angel Ochoa scored a team-high 26 points.

Norman has been a consistent force for Palomar. Over his last six games, the forward is averaging 16.8 points and 10 rebounds, including a 28-point, 10-rebound performance at Grossmont last month. In the Jan. 14 rout of Imperial Valley, Norman tallied 17 points and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes of action.

Imperial Valley (0-23) continues to search for its first victory after a 106-52 defeat at San Diego Mesa last Friday. The Arabs have lost by an average of 36.5 points per game this season. In the previous matchup against Palomar, Chrishawn Hollis led Imperial Valley with eight points. Hollis has shown flashes, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a loss to San Diego City on Feb. 4.

Despite the lopsided records and previous result, Interstat’s game simulator projects an improbable 100-100 tie, suggesting a potential for a high-scoring affair. However, Palomar’s potent offense, which has surpassed 100 points four times this season, will challenge an Imperial Valley defense that has allowed 100 or more points in seven games.

For Imperial Valley, the focus will be on building competitive momentum and avoiding a repeat of the 67-point defeat earlier this season. For Palomar, the game represents a critical opportunity to solidify its standing before a key stretch against Grossmont, MiraCosta and San Diego City later this month.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.