Preview: Mount San Antonio at Los Angeles City

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Friday night when the state-ranked Mount San Antonio Mounties visit the struggling Los Angeles City Cubs in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball game.

The Mounties (20-4) enter as one of the region’s top teams, having won seven of their last eight games. Their lone loss in that stretch was a 71-83 road defeat against East Los Angeles on Feb. 6. They are coming off a 90-79 victory over Pasadena City last Friday, fueled by a standout performance from sophomore guard Dayvon Gates.

Gates, the engine of the Mounties’ offense, is averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists over his last seven games. He recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 assists in the win over Pasadena City and scored 30 points in the loss to East Los Angeles. In the teams’ first meeting this season, a 75-57 Mounties win on Feb. 4, Gates posted 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

The Cubs (4-21) have endured a difficult season but snapped a six-game losing streak with a 75-61 home win over Los Angeles Trade Tech on Feb. 13. Sophomore forward Jaelin Brown was dominant in that victory, pulling down 19 rebounds to go with 15 points. Brown has been a bright spot, averaging a double-double in games where he sees significant minutes, including 17 points and 12 rebounds against Rio Hondo on Jan. 30.

However, Los Angeles City has struggled offensively, failing to reach 70 points in 10 of its last 11 games. Defense will be a primary concern against a Mount San Antonio team that averages 81.2 points per game and scored 109 points in a game earlier this season.

The Mounties have shown balance beyond Gates. In the recent win over Pasadena City, Omari Abdallah added 20 points and Ryan Wheeler contributed seven rebounds and three blocks.

For the Cubs to compete, they will need another massive effort on the glass from Brown and efficient play from guard Kye Usher-Brown, who dished out 13 assists in the team’s last win.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Los Angeles City College.