OAKLAND, Calif. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Los Medanos Mustangs visit the Merritt Thunderbirds.

The non-conference matchup, organized by the California Community College Athletic Association, features teams with nearly identical records. Los Medanos enters at 6-9 overall, while Merritt sits at 7-10.

The Mustangs bring a wave of offensive confidence into the contest, having won two of their last three games while averaging over 102 points per contest in those victories. They are coming off a 107-103 home win over Marin on Tuesday. Prior to that, they secured a 102-76 road victory at Napa Valley on Jan. 2. Their recent success contrasts with a stretch of close losses earlier in the season, including three defeats by three points or fewer.

Merritt looks to rebound on its home floor after two consecutive road losses. The Thunderbirds fell 71-63 at Marin on Thursday and suffered a narrow 82-81 home loss to Napa Valley on Tuesday. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, with a notable 85-65 win over Sacramento City on Dec. 6 followed by a 41-point loss to San Jose just a week later.

Defensive execution will likely be a key factor. Los Medanos has shown both high-scoring capability and vulnerability, allowing 109 points in a loss to San Joaquin Delta and 106 to Sacramento City. Merritt’s offense has struggled at times, scoring 63 or fewer points in three of its last five games.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Following this matchup, both teams will continue their season schedules. Los Medanos will host Mendocino on Jan. 14, while Merritt’s next game is at Mendocino on Jan. 16. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Bay Valley Conference play on Feb. 11 at Los Medanos.