SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Friday night when the surging San Jose City Jaguars host the winless Hartnell Panthers in a California Community College men’s basketball matchup.

The game, scheduled for Feb. 20, 2026, pits a Jaguars squad (21-6) firmly in the title conversation against a Panthers team (0-23) mired in a lengthy struggle. San Jose enters having won seven of its last eight games, including a 78-68 road victory over Cabrillo on Feb. 13. Hartnell, meanwhile, is seeking to avoid a winless season, coming off a 76-53 home loss to Foothill on that same date.

The teams met less than a month ago, with San Jose delivering a decisive 75-46 victory at Hartnell on Jan. 28. That result is emblematic of the Panthers’ season, which has featured numerous lopsided defeats. In their last five games alone, Hartnell has lost by an average margin of 33 points, including a 99-38 defeat at West Valley on Feb. 11. Their closest call was a 59-57 loss at Monterey Peninsula on Feb. 4.

San Jose’s season has followed a different trajectory, built on consistent scoring and stout defense. The Jaguars have eclipsed 80 points nine times this season and are averaging 74.5 points per game in conference play. Their six losses have all come against teams with winning records, and they have successfully protected their home court with a 10-2 record at San Jose City College.

For Hartnell, the focus will be on finding offensive rhythm after being held under 60 points in 18 of their 23 games. The Panthers are averaging just 49.7 points per contest. Slowing down San Jose’s balanced attack, which posted 103 points against Gavilan on Jan. 30, presents a monumental challenge.

Friday’s game will be the regular-season finale for both teams, with the Jaguars looking to solidify playoff positioning and the Panthers aiming for a stunning upset to finally break into the win column. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at San Jose City College.