UKIAH, Calif. (Interstat) — Two California junior college men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Friday when the Los Medanos Mustangs visit the Mendocino Eagles.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Mendocino College.

Los Medanos (11-12) enters the contest looking to steady itself after a 104-88 road loss to Marin on Feb. 4. The Mustangs had won two straight prior to that, including an 82-80 victory over Napa Valley and an 88-85 overtime win against Contra Costa in late January.

Mendocino (7-18) aims to halt a two-game skid, having fallen 82-70 to Napa Valley on Feb. 6 and 72-65 to Contra Costa on Feb. 4. The Eagles’ last win was a 70-61 road victory at Alameda on Jan. 30.

A key player to watch is Los Medanos’ Jeremiah Collins. The standout had a dominant performance of 25 points and 13 rebounds in a narrow 79-76 loss to Yuba on Jan. 21, followed by 15 points in a win at Solano on Jan. 16. His role in the Mustangs’ most recent game was limited.

The teams last faced each other on Jan. 14, with Los Medanos securing a 95-79 home victory. In that matchup, the Mustangs’ offense proved too much for the Eagles’ defense.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest is projected to be a high-scoring and even affair, with a predicted final score of 100-100.

Both teams have critical conference games on the horizon. Los Medanos will host Solano on Feb. 17, while Mendocino travels to face Merritt the same day.

Friday’s game represents a pivotal opportunity for both squads. Los Medanos can climb back to .500 and solidify its standing, while Mendocino will look to defend its home court and build confidence for the final stretch of the season.