Preview: San Diego Toreros at UC San Diego Tritons SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A stark contrast in seasons will be on display Friday night when the surging UC San Diego Tritons host the struggling San Diego Toreros in a nonconference men’s basketball game at RIMAC Arena. The Tritons (10-1) have been one of the nation’s early surprises, riding a three-game winning streak following a 67-57 road victory at Loyola Marymount on Tuesday. Their lone loss came by six points at Nevada on Dec. 2. UC San Diego’s offense has been potent, averaging 82.5 points per game and eclipsing 90 points three times this season. Meanwhile, the Toreros (4-6) have lost six of their last eight games. They snapped a four-game skid with a 78-69 home win over Northern Arizona on Dec. 13 but face a daunting task against their crosstown rival’s formidable form. A key matchup will feature the backcourts. UC San Diego is led by guard Emanuel Prospere, who is averaging 12.3 points and 4.2 assists over his last six games. He scored 20 points in a blowout win over Tulane on Dec. 13. San Diego will rely on the scoring of guard Ty-Laur Johnson, who erupted for 23 points in the win over Northern Arizona. Johnson has been inconsistent, however, scoring five points in a loss to San Jose State on Dec. 5 after a 21-point effort at California Baptist on Nov. 25. The Tritons have dominated at home, winning all five contests at RIMAC this season by an average margin of 27.2 points. The Toreros are 1-4 in true road games, with their only away victory coming in their season opener at Occidental. This game serves as a final tune-up before both teams enter conference play. San Diego begins West Coast Conference action on Dec. 28 against Pacific. UC San Diego opens Big West play on Jan. 1 at Cal Poly. Friday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. PST.