Preview: Merritt Thunderbirds at Los Medanos Mustangs

PITTSBURG, Calif. (Interstat) — Two California community college men’s basketball teams trending in opposite directions will meet Wednesday when the Merritt Thunderbirds visit the Los Medanos Mustangs.

The Thunderbirds (14-11) enter on a season-best four-game winning streak, including an 88-84 home victory over these same Mustangs on Jan. 10. Their most recent result was a 90-82 overtime triumph against Marin last Friday.

Conversely, the Mustangs (11-12) have dropped three consecutive games, most recently a 104-88 road loss at Marin on Feb. 4 where their statistical leaders were not recorded. The skid follows a promising stretch where Los Medanos had won four of five games.

A key player to watch for the Mustangs is Jeremiah Collins. The standout has posted several dominant performances this season, including a triple-double of 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Mendocino on Jan. 14, and a 25-point, 13-rebound effort against Yuba on Jan. 21. His production will be critical for a Los Medanos offense seeking consistency.

Merritt has shown resilience during its streak, winning close contests like a 75-73 victory at Napa Valley on Feb. 4. The Thunderbirds’ defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to 73 points or fewer in three of the four wins.

The Jan. 10 meeting suggests a competitive rematch. In that game, Los Medanos kept pace but ultimately fell short in the final minutes.

With both teams jockeying for position in the conference standings, Wednesday’s matchup offers Merritt a chance to solidify its winning form and Los Medanos an opportunity to halt its slide and gain revenge on its home court.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST at Los Medanos College.