Struggling California JUCO Programs Set for Valentine’s Day Rematch

PALM DESERT, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking to escape lengthy losing streaks will meet Saturday when the Desert Roadrunners host the Palo Verde Pirates in a California Community College Athletic Association matchup.

The game, scheduled for Feb. 14, 2026, features programs with a combined record of 9-38 this season. Desert (5-18) has lost five consecutive games, while Palo Verde (4-20) is mired in a seven-game skid. Their most recent encounter resulted in a lopsided 111-82 Roadrunners victory at Palo Verde on Jan. 14.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top scorers. Palo Verde will rely on guard Isaac Nevarez, who is averaging 17.0 points per game over his last five contests. He poured in 25 points in just 22 minutes in the Pirates’ most recent loss, a 94-76 defeat to Copper Mountain on Feb. 7.

Desert counters with forward De’miem King, who is coming off a strong all-around performance in a 70-58 loss at Cerro Coso on Feb. 11, where he posted 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block.

Both teams have struggled defensively. Palo Verde has allowed an average of 103.1 points during its seven-game losing streak. Desert has surrendered 90.2 points per game during its five-game slide.

Despite the Roadrunners’ decisive win in January, a statistical projection from Interstat forecasts a tightly contested rematch, simulating a 100-100 final score.

For Palo Verde, secondary scoring behind Nevarez will be crucial. Adam Hubbard (17 points) and Salameh Dugum-Maraboto (18 points) were productive in the loss to Copper Mountain. Desert will look for support for King from Lee’Tron Turner, who scored 18 points off the bench in the team’s last outing.

Following this game, Desert will host Victor Valley on Feb. 18, while Palo Verde returns home to face Mount San Jacinto the same day.