Preview: Riverside Tigers at Santiago Canyon Hawks

ORANGE, Calif. (Interstat) — A key California community college men’s basketball matchup with playoff implications is set for Friday when the Riverside Tigers visit the Santiago Canyon Hawks.

The Hawks (17-7 overall) enter the game with a better record, but the visiting Tigers (15-10) won the first meeting this season decisively, 91-75, on Jan. 28. That result adds a layer of urgency for Santiago Canyon, which will look to defend its home court and even the season series.

Riverside is led by guard Kollen Murphy, who torched the Hawks for 21 points in the January victory. Murphy is coming off a 20-point, 5-assist performance in a 77-61 road win at Santa Ana on Feb. 12. Over his last five meaningful outings, he has averaged 14.2 points and 4.4 assists.

Santiago Canyon counters with guard Jacob De Armas, who was held to 8 points in the loss at Riverside. De Armas has been prolific since, averaging 19.8 points over his last four games, including a 22-point effort in a 93-79 loss at Fullerton on Feb. 12.

The Tigers have shown a pattern of responding to losses with strong performances, including an 80-54 win over Saddleback after a 29-point loss to Fullerton. They are 2-2 in their last four.

The Hawks, meanwhile, have split their last six games. Their offense has been potent, scoring 105 points in a win over Orange Coast on Feb. 10, but consistency has been an issue, as evidenced by the recent loss to Fullerton.

Friday’s rematch will likely hinge on which backcourt star can control the tempo. Murphy’s ability to facilitate and score will be tested by a Santiago Canyon team seeking revenge, while De Armas aims to lead the Hawks to a crucial home victory to bolster their standing.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Santiago Canyon College.