Preview: Yuba Looks to Rebound Against Merced in Modesto Tournament

MODESTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Yuba 49ers and Merced Blue Devils will look to steer their seasons in opposite directions when they meet in a men’s junior college basketball game Saturday at the Modesto College Tournament.

Yuba (6-5) enters the contest looking to snap a two-game skid, having fallen 69-63 at San Francisco on Friday. The 49ers had won three straight prior to the recent losses, showcasing an offense capable of high outputs with wins of 90-75 at Redwoods and 102-85 at Sacramento City this season. However, consistency has been an issue, as seen in a 75-78 loss to Butte on Dec. 7.

Merced (2-8) seeks any positive momentum after a difficult start. The Blue Devils fell 76-62 at Modesto on Friday. Their only victories this season are a narrow 80-79 home win over Alameda on Thursday and a 68-63 triumph over Gavilan on Nov. 8. Defense has been a persistent challenge; Merced has allowed 107, 94, and 92 points in three of its defeats.

The neutral-site tournament setting at Modesto College adds an extra layer to this non-conference matchup. Yuba will aim to leverage its more potent scoring attack, while Merced desperately needs a complete defensive performance to secure a rare win.

Interestingly, Interstat’s game simulator projects a dead-even final score of 100-100, suggesting a potentially high-scoring and tightly contested affair despite the disparity in records.

Following this game, Yuba will travel to face Merritt on Tuesday. Merced’s next contest is at home against Siskiyous on Wednesday.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.