(Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of their meeting just one month prior, the Desert College Roadrunners edged the Victor Valley College Rams 83-82 in a California Community College Athletic Association men’s basketball game Wednesday night.

The one-point decision marked a dramatic shift from Jan. 17, when Victor Valley routed Desert by 42 points. This time, the Roadrunners secured a narrow victory in a contest defined by poor shooting and a frantic final sequence.

Both teams struggled offensively throughout. Victor Valley shot 42.3% from the field, while Desert was worse at 36.6%. The teams combined to go 8 for 40 from 3-point range. Free throws were a critical factor, with Desert converting 21 of 33 attempts compared to Victor Valley’s 16 of 31.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the final five seconds. With the score tied at 82, Desert’s Lee’Tron Turner hit a 3-pointer to put the Roadrunners ahead with one second remaining. On the ensuing inbounds play, Victor Valley’s Raoul Churchill was fouled. He made the first free throw to cut the deficit to 83-82 but intentionally missed the second. Desert secured the rebound as time expired.

De’miem King led all players with 24 points and 13 rebounds for Desert. Payton Joseph added 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Jayse Creavalle contributed 14 points and seven assists. Turner finished with 23 points.

For Victor Valley, Jasean Phillips scored 20 points. Komari Lewis had 13 points and 15 rebounds, and Quintin Aguilar anchored the defense with 13 rebounds and seven blocks. Churchill led the Rams with 17 points.

The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams forcing turnovers. Desert recorded 16 steals, leading to 21 Victor Valley turnovers. The Rams countered with 11 blocked shots and a 62-58 rebounding advantage.

With the loss, Victor Valley falls to 7-20 overall. Desert improves to 7-18. Both teams return to action Friday, with Victor Valley traveling to face Mount San Jacinto and Desert visiting Chaffey.

The outcome defied pregame projections from Interstat, which had given Victor Valley a 54.9% probability to win and simulated a 123-100 Rams victory.