APTOS, Calif. (Interstat) — The Merritt Thunderbirds and Cabrillo Seahawks meet Friday in a men’s junior college basketball game at the Saltwater Classic, each looking to build momentum heading into conference play.

The game tips off Dec. 5 at Cabrillo College.

Merritt (4-2) enters as the visiting team but has dropped its last two contests, including a 76-60 home loss to Feather River on Nov. 22. Prior to that, the Thunderbirds had won four straight, including three narrow victories and an overtime win over Canada College.

Cabrillo (4-4), the host, has alternated wins and losses recently, falling 78-73 at Columbia on Nov. 26. The Seahawks have played a road-heavy early schedule, with six of their eight games away from home. Their most decisive win was a 94-62 victory over American River on Nov. 2.

This non-conference matchup, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, is part of the Saltwater Classic tournament. It serves as a final tune-up before both teams break for finals and resume their schedules in mid-December.

Following this game, Merritt will travel to Monterey Peninsula on Dec. 12. Cabrillo’s next game is also on Dec. 12 at Chabot.