Preview: Mount San Jacinto at Palo Verde

BLYTHE, Calif. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Wednesday when the Mount San Jacinto Eagles visit the Palo Verde Pirates in a California community college men’s basketball matchup.

The Eagles (19-7) enter riding a wave of success, having won seven of their last eight games. Their most recent outing was a 79-75 home victory over Cerro Coso on Saturday. Adrian Mosley led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds, continuing a strong sophomore campaign. Over his last seven games, Mosley is averaging nearly 17 points and eight rebounds per contest, showcasing versatility as a key scorer and interior presence.

Conversely, the Pirates (4-21) have struggled, dropping 15 of their last 16. Their lone win in that span was a 102-88 victory over Victor Valley on Jan. 31, powered by a 38-point outburst from Adam Hubbard. The sophomore guard remains a bright spot, coming off a phenomenal 44-point, 12-rebound, seven-assist performance in a 118-108 loss at Desert on Saturday. Hubbard has scored 30 or more points in three of his last six games.

The teams met just over a month ago in San Jacinto, with the Eagles delivering a decisive 118-84 victory. The Pirates will seek to avenge that loss on their home floor, relying heavily on Hubbard’s offensive firepower to keep pace.

Despite Palo Verde’s record, a statistical projection from Interstat suggests a tightly contested game, simulating a 100-100 final score. However, Mount San Jacinto’s defensive consistency and balanced attack, which includes contributors like Willie Miller and Tyler Frazier-Mathews, will challenge a Palo Verde team allowing over 100 points per game during its current four-game skid.

Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. Mount San Jacinto will host Victor Valley on Friday, while Palo Verde travels to face San Bernardino Valley the same night.