MODESTO, Calif. (Interstat) — An undefeated Modesto Junior College men’s basketball team looks to continue its dominant start to the season when it hosts struggling Merced College in an opening-round game of the 87th Annual MJC Men’s Basketball Tournament on Friday.

The Modesto Pirates (8-0) enter the contest fresh off a 69-42 victory over Lassen on Thursday, their eighth consecutive win by double digits this season. Their defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to an average of 60.6 points per game.

They face a Merced Blue Devils squad (2-7) arriving with momentum from a narrow 80-79 overtime win against Alameda on Thursday. That victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Blue Devils, whose season has been defined by offensive struggles and close defeats.

A key player to watch for Merced is guard Carter Reid, who is coming off a 29-point, five-rebound performance in a loss to Los Angeles Southwest on Nov. 29. Reid’s scoring ability will be crucial for a Blue Devils team averaging just 68.2 points per game.

The statistical projection heavily favors the home team. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Modesto holds a 95.70 percent probability to win Friday’s matchup.

The tournament, featuring cashless entry, requires all tickets to be purchased through Hometown Ticketing.

Following this game, Modesto will travel to face Columbia (Calif.) on Dec. 20. Merced’s next contest is at home against Siskiyous on Dec. 17.