KEELHAULERS, PIONEERS SET FOR NAIA REMATCH THURSDAY

ANGWIN, Calif. (Interstat) — The Cal Maritime Keelhaulers visit the Pacific Union Pioneers on Thursday night in an NAIA men’s basketball matchup featuring teams on opposite trajectories.

Cal Maritime (5-5) enters at .500, while Pacific Union (1-11) seeks just its second win of the season. The Keelhaulers have won both meetings this season, a 79-73 victory on Dec. 17 and a 92-84 win on Jan. 17.

The visiting Keelhaulers are led by guard Justiz Wilson, who is coming off a 28-point performance in an 85-68 win over Westcliff on Feb. 7. Lawrence Long added 24 points and six rebounds in that victory, showcasing Cal Maritime’s offensive potential.

Pacific Union snapped a lengthy skid with a 73-56 home win over Westcliff on Feb. 14. Guard Ramone Bailey paced the Pioneers with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Bailey has been a consistent contributor, averaging 11.3 points over his last three games.

Cal Maritime’s offense, which has topped 85 points in two of its wins, will test a Pacific Union defense that has allowed 80 or more points in seven games this season. The Pioneers’ lone victory, however, demonstrated an improved defensive effort, holding Westcliff to 56 points.

The Keelhaulers’ recent results have been uneven, with a 2-3 record in their last five games. Pacific Union’s win over Westcliff provided a rare bright spot in a season featuring several lopsided losses, including a 113-66 defeat at College of Idaho in November.

Thursday’s contest is the final regular-season meeting scheduled between the two programs this year. Cal Maritime’s next game is at home against Simpson on Saturday. Pacific Union’s schedule beyond Thursday was not immediately available.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. PST at Pacific Union College Gymnasium.