No. 12 MJC men make playoffs

The Modesto Junior College men's basketball team confirmed its first Northern California playoffs assignment in five years Monday, but the Pirates' draw is nasty. Modesto (18-11), seeded 12th, travels to Central Valley Conference champion Fresno (28-3), one of California's elite teams, Friday night. The 5th-seeded Rams overwhelmed MJC 98-71 in the finals of the 74th MJC Tournament on Dec. 10. "It's a big challenge and a big opportunity and we're excited," MJC coach Paul Brogan said. "It's a new season. We'll have to keep them out of their rhythm. They are a momentum team."