SAN MARCOS, Calif. (Interstat) — A rematch with playoff implications is set for Friday when the Palomar Comets host the Grossmont Griffins in a California community college men’s basketball game.

The teams met just four weeks ago, with Palomar (16-7) delivering a decisive 104-82 road victory over Grossmont (7-14) on Jan. 16. That result underscores the contrasting trajectories of the two programs this season. The Comets enter with a winning record and momentum from a 108-77 rout of Imperial Valley on Wednesday. The Griffins, despite a challenging season, are coming off an 80-72 road win at MiraCosta on Feb. 4.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top performers. Grossmont will lean on guard Lorenzo Martinez, who is averaging 15 points and 5 assists over his last four games. Martinez scored 14 points in the first meeting against Palomar. For the Comets, forward Jaidyn Norman poses a major threat, especially on the boards. Norman is averaging a double-double in his last five contests and dominated the Jan. 16 game with 28 points and 10 rebounds.

Palomar’s high-powered offense, which has scored 100 or more points four times this season, will test a Grossmont defense that has shown recent improvement. The Griffins have won two of their last three games, including holding MiraCosta to 72 points.

The Comets, however, have been strong at home with a 7-2 record in San Marcos this season. They will look to avoid a letdown after a narrow overtime loss to San Diego Miramar on Feb. 6.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST at the Palomar College Gymnasium. Following this game, Palomar will travel to face MiraCosta on Wednesday, while Grossmont will host San Diego Mesa.