Preview: UHSP at Hannibal-LaGrange Men’s Basketball

HANNABAL, Mo. (Interstat) — The Hannibal-LaGrange Trojans will look to solidify their winning season when they host the struggling UHSP men’s basketball team in an NAIA contest on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.

The Trojans (12-7) enter the game with a clear advantage in record and momentum, having won five of their last six games. Their most recent outing was an 81-68 road victory over Mission (Mo.) on Feb. 7. Josh Talton has been a consistent force for Hannibal-LaGrange, averaging 17.1 points and 5.2 rebounds over his last seven games. He scored 21 points in the teams’ first meeting this season, a dominant 87-54 win for the Trojans on Jan. 15.

UHSP (3-18) has shown recent signs of life, however, securing two of its three total wins in the past week. The Eutectics edged Crowley’s Ridge 79-78 on Feb. 5 before defeating Williams Baptist 81-75 on Feb. 7. Freshman forward Landon Engelage has been a bright spot, averaging 23.3 points and 9.0 rebounds over that same seven-game stretch. He posted 19 points and 12 rebounds in the win over Williams Baptist.

Despite UHSP’s modest uptick, history heavily favors the Trojans. The 33-point margin in January underscores the challenge facing the visiting Eutectics. Hannibal-LaGrange’s balanced attack, which saw Kell Estep record a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) alongside Talton’s 22 points in the last game, will test UHSP’s defense.

The matchup between Engelage and Talton will be a key focal point. Engelage’s high-volume scoring will be essential for UHSP to keep pace, while Talton’s all-around play has been a catalyst for the Trojans’ success.

Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday night at Hannibal-LaGrange University. The Trojans’ next game is at home against Crowley’s Ridge on Feb. 19, while UHSP travels to face Harris-Stowe (Mo.) on the same date.