IRVINE, Calif. (Interstat) — The Orange Coast College Pirates will seek to end a 15-game losing streak when they visit the Irvine Valley College Lasers in a California community college men’s basketball game on Thursday.

The matchup at Irvine Valley pits two Orange Empire Conference teams on divergent paths. The Pirates (1-24) have not won since their season opener, while the Lasers (13-11) are looking to build momentum after a narrow 61-59 victory over Riverside on Tuesday.

Irvine Valley won the first meeting this season handily, 79-60, on Jan. 21 at Orange Coast. In that game, the Pirates’ Chris Obiajulu scored 16 points with eight rebounds, while Irvine Valley’s Matt Mowers contributed to a balanced Laser attack.

Obiajulu has been a bright spot for Orange Coast during its skid. The guard is coming off a 27-point performance in a 105-73 loss to Santiago Canyon on Tuesday and has averaged 18.4 points over his last seven games. His scoring will be crucial for a Pirates team that has allowed 90 or more points in four of its last six contests.

For Irvine Valley, forward Matt Mowers provides consistent production. He nearly posted a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds in the win over Riverside and has been a key figure on both ends of the floor. His ability to control the paint will challenge an Orange Coast team that has struggled defensively.

The Lasers have shown resilience in close games, with a 4-3 record in contests decided by five points or fewer. The Pirates, meanwhile, have lost by an average of 24.2 points during their current losing streak.

Following this game, Orange Coast hosts Fullerton on Feb. 18. Irvine Valley travels to face Santa Ana on the same date.

Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. PST at Irvine Valley College.