No. 16 Palomar to Host No. 17 Bakersfield in First-Round Playoff Matchup

SAN MARCOS, CA (2/23/2026) -- Palomar has earned the No. 16 seed in the Southern California Regional and will host No. 17 Bakersfield College on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. inside the Dome. The game will follow the women's playoff matchup as part of a postseason doubleheader.

The appearance marks Coach Ivan Patterson's second consecutive playoff berth, continuing the program's upward trajectory under his leadership. It will also be the first home playoff game for the Comets since the 2021-22 season, bringing postseason basketball back to San Marcos.

Palomar enters the postseason at 18–10 overall, averaging 88.3 points per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. The Comets have relied on a balanced offensive attack throughout the season, led by Isaiah Pomare (15.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and Angel Ochoa (16.8 ppg, 134 assists). Pomare has been dominant on the glass with 203 total rebounds, while Ochoa has paced the offense as both a scorer and facilitator.

Jaidyn Norman (13.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and Justin White (11.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) provide additional frontcourt strength, helping Palomar maintain nearly 40 rebounds per game on the season.

Bakersfield enters the matchup at 17–11 overall, averaging 82.4 points per game and holding opponents to 80.6. The Renegades are led by Zykiar Henderson (19.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg), who has totaled 499 points and 249 rebounds, and Markell Brooks (14.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg). Bakersfield holds a +6.7 rebounding margin and averages nearly 42 rebounds per game, presenting a strong interior challenge.

Wednesday's matchup pairs two evenly matched teams statistically, with Palomar holding the edge in scoring margin (+9.3) and assist production, while Bakersfield brings physicality and rebounding depth.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday night, following the women's playoff contest, as the Comets look to defend their home floor and advance in postseason play.