Preview: Mounties Host Beavers in Key California JUCO Clash

WALNUT, Calif. (Interstat) — A rematch of a recent overtime thriller highlights Wednesday’s California community college men’s basketball slate as the Mount San Antonio Mounties host the Los Angeles Trade Tech Beavers.

The Mounties (20-4), one of the region’s top teams, will look to sweep the regular-season series against the .500 Beavers (13-13) in a 7 p.m. tipoff at Mount San Antonio College.

Mount San Antonio narrowly won the first meeting 73-69 in overtime on Jan. 30 in Los Angeles. In that game, Trade Tech’s Will Smith III posted a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Mounties’ guard Dayvon Gates countered with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Both standout players enter Wednesday’s contest in strong form. Smith III is averaging 15.6 points and 8.9 rebounds over his last eight games, including a 17-point, 11-rebound performance in a win over Rio Hondo on Feb. 6. Gates has been a dynamic force for the Mounties, averaging 21.1 points and 7.4 assists in the same span. He is coming off a 23-point, 10-assist double-double in a win over Pasadena City on Feb. 13.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in season trajectories. Mount San Antonio has won seven of its last eight games, with its only loss in that stretch coming on the road against East Los Angeles. The Mounties boast a balanced attack, with Omari Abdallah adding 20 points in their last outing.

Los Angeles Trade Tech has been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over its past six games. Following a 99-92 home win over Pasadena City on Feb. 11, the Beavers fell 75-61 at Los Angeles City on Feb. 13, where Smith III was held to 11 points.

For the Beavers to pull the road upset, they will need more offensive support for Smith III. Johqa Webb provided a spark off the bench with 12 points in the last game, and Jordan Webster contributes as a facilitator.

Mount San Antonio will aim to leverage its home court advantage and superior record to control the tempo. The Mounties’ defense, which held Trade Tech to 69 points in the first meeting, will again focus on containing Smith III.

The outcome will impact positioning for both teams as the California community college playoffs approach.