TALLADEGA, Ala. (Interstat) — A key NAIA men’s basketball matchup in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference is set for Monday night as the Tougaloo Bulldogs visit the Talladega Tornadoes.

The Bulldogs (13-5) enter on a hot streak, having won seven of their last eight games. They are coming off a dominant 94-58 victory over Paul Quinn on Saturday, where their offense was firing on all cylinders. Tougaloo has averaged 84.6 points per game during its recent run of form.

A primary reason for that success has been the play of guard Willie Anderson. The standout scorer has been on a tear, averaging 17.2 points over his last eight contests. He is coming off a highly efficient 27-point performance in just 24 minutes against Paul Quinn.

The Talladega Tornadoes (10-7), however, aim to defend their home court and bounce back from a 57-51 road loss at Stillman on Jan. 24. That defeat snapped a three-game winning streak for the Tornadoes. Talladega has shown a strong home-court advantage this season, boasting a 7-2 record in games at home.

The Tornadoes will counter with their own star forward, Shaun Walker. He has been a force in the paint, recording double-doubles in two of his last four outings, including a 22-point, 14-rebound effort in the loss to Stillman. Walker’s ability to control the glass will be critical against a Tougaloo team that features multiple scoring threats.

This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the conference foes this month. They will meet again at Tougaloo in exactly one week on Feb. 9, adding strategic importance to Monday’s contest.

For Tougaloo, Demarcus Hollis, who posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds last game, and Eric Steward, Jr., who added 23 points, provide vital support to Anderson. Talladega will look to Arthur Williams and Tre Simmons to supplement Walker’s production.

Tip-off is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Talladega’s home arena. The game will be a test of Tougaloo’s potent offense against a Talladega team seeking to re-establish momentum in conference play.