(Interstat) — In a tightly contested California junior college men’s basketball game Wednesday night, the Compton Tartars edged the Los Angeles Harbor Seahawks 70-67.

The game, played on Feb. 18, 2026, at Los Angeles Harbor, was a rematch of a Jan. 30 meeting won by Compton 79-76. This victory improved the Tartars’ season record to 12-15, while the Seahawks fell to 11-15.

The most important part of the game was Compton’s ability to maintain a narrow lead throughout a chaotic and turnover-plagued second quarter, ultimately securing the win at the free-throw line in the final second. After a remarkably high-scoring and even first quarter ended tied at 39, both teams’ offenses struggled mightily in the second frame. The Tartars managed only 31 points, but the Seahawks’ shooting went cold, scoring just 28. Los Angeles Harbor shot a dismal 21 of 69 from the floor for the game, including 7 of 32 from 3-point range. Despite forcing 14 Compton turnovers while committing only five of their own, the Seahawks could not capitalize enough off those extra possessions.

Compton’s efficiency at the line proved critical. The Tartars made 18 of 21 free throws, an 85.7 percent clip. Conversely, while Los Angeles Harbor was nearly as accurate, going 18 for 20, they attempted one fewer shot from the stripe. The game was decided with one second remaining in the second quarter when Compton’s Nathan Ibarra calmly sank two free throws to extend the lead to three points, the final margin.

Keishawn Ross Jr. led Compton with 20 points and 12 rebounds in 40 minutes, continuing a strong stretch of play. Israel Nansha added 12 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. For Los Angeles Harbor, Drew Alexander scored 17 points and Brandon Releford added 16 points and four assists.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected Los Angeles Harbor with a 54.20 percent probability to win.

Compton next hosts Los Angeles Southwest on Friday, Feb. 20. Los Angeles Harbor travels to face El Camino, also on Friday.