Preview: Struggling UHSP Visits No. Columbia (Mo.) Cougars in NAIA Matchup

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Tuesday night when the surging Columbia (Mo.) Cougars host the struggling UHSP men’s basketball team in an NAIA contest at the Arena of Southwell Complex.

The Cougars (19-3) enter as one of the region’s top teams, having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their most recent outing was a dominant 93-61 victory over Harris-Stowe on Saturday, where freshman forward Justin Boyer led the way with 21 points and nine rebounds. Boyer’s performance highlighted a deep and balanced Columbia attack that averages a robust margin of victory.

UHSP (3-18), meanwhile, carries momentum from a rare positive stretch, having secured consecutive wins for the first time this season. The Eutectics edged Crowley’s Ridge 79-78 on Feb. 5 before defeating Williams Baptist 81-75 on Saturday. Their success is heavily tied to the outstanding play of freshman forward Landon Engelage.

Engelage has been a consistent bright spot during a difficult season, averaging 23.1 points and 7.9 rebounds over his last seven games. He posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds in the win over Williams Baptist and scored 33 points in a loss to Mission University on Jan. 31. Containing him will be a primary focus for the Cougars’ defense.

Columbia won the first meeting between the teams this season, a forfeit victory recorded as a 1-0 win on Jan. 24 after UHSP was unable to field a team. Tuesday’s game represents the scheduled makeup of that contest.

The Cougars’ roster presents a multifaceted challenge. Alongside Boyer, Johnny Anderson averages a double-double, and Marcelous Phillips provides scoring punch. They will look to exploit a UHSP defense that has allowed 90 or more points in eight of its 18 losses.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday. Columbia will visit Mission University on Thursday, while UHSP travels to face Hannibal-LaGrange on Feb. 12. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in St. Louis on Feb. 21.