EL CAJON, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season men’s junior college basketball matchup is set for Friday when the Grossmont Griffins visit the Cuyamaca Coyotes, with both teams seeking momentum to close challenging campaigns.

The game, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, tips off Feb. 20, 2026. Grossmont enters at 8-14 overall, while Cuyamaca holds a slight edge in the standings at 9-15.

The Griffins won the first meeting this season, 73-69 at home on Jan. 23. In that game, Grossmont guard Lorenzo Martinez scored 15 points and dished five assists, while Cuyamaca’s Kenneth Klu countered with 19 points and six rebounds.

Martinez has been the engine for Grossmont, coming off a 20-point, seven-assist performance in an 81-79 road win over Palomar on Feb. 13. Over his last five games, the dynamic guard is averaging 17.2 points and 5.6 assists per contest.

For the Coyotes, Klu has been a consistent force. He tallied 19 points and seven rebounds in a loss to Palomar on Feb. 4 and matched his 19-point output in the previous loss to Grossmont. In Cuyamaca’s most recent outing, a 70-83 loss to San Diego Mesa on Feb. 11, Klu posted 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Both teams have shown recent flashes. Grossmont has won three of its last five, including the victory over Palomar. Cuyamaca had a two-game win streak snapped in its last two contests.

The rematch presents a critical opportunity for the Coyotes to defend their home court and level the season series, while the Griffins aim to complete the sweep and climb closer to the .500 mark in conference play. The guard battle between Martinez’s playmaking and Klu’s all-around scoring will be central to the outcome.