Preview: East Los Angeles Huskies at Pasadena City Lancers

PASADENA, Calif. (Interstat) — A hot streak meets a desperate slide when the East Los Angeles College Huskies visit the Pasadena City College Lancers in a California Community College men’s basketball matchup Wednesday.

The Huskies (16-9) have won five of their last six games, including a dominant 107-85 victory over Rio Hondo on Friday. They boast the more formidable overall record and sit higher in the conference standings. Their recent success has been fueled by forward Terrence Hampton, who is averaging a double-double over his last seven contests. In the teams’ first meeting this season, a 71-68 Huskies win on Jan. 30, Hampton posted 14 points and 10 rebounds.

East Los Angeles showcases a balanced and high-scoring attack. In the win over Rio Hondo, Adrionne Marcus scored 18 points and Imani Herring added 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks alongside Hampton’s 17-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Conversely, the Lancers (11-14) have lost four of their last five, most recently falling 90-79 at Mount San Antonio. Guard Darrius Freeman has been a bright spot, averaging 18.4 points over his last five games. He scored 24 points in the loss to Mount San Antonio and 16 in the narrow defeat to East L.A. last month. Pasadena City will need a major defensive effort to slow the Huskies’ momentum and find a consistent secondary scorer to support Freeman.

The game represents a critical juncture for both teams’ playoff aspirations. East Los Angeles aims to solidify its position and continue its roll, while Pasadena City seeks to salvage its season with a pivotal home upset. Tipoff is set for Wednesday night at PCC’s Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.