THATCHER, Ariz. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking to build momentum will meet Friday when the Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters host the Western Nebraska Cougars.

Both teams enter the non-conference matchup with 1-win records. Western Nebraska is 1-4 overall after snapping a four-game losing streak with an 81-78 road victory over Eastern Wyoming on Tuesday. Eastern Arizona sits at 1-3 and is looking to rebound from a 77-57 loss at Utah State Eastern on Nov. 8.

The Cougars are led by Viktor Lukic-Gavric, who scored 27 points in the team’s most recent win. Dorin Nguema added an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double in that contest.

The Gila Monsters’ top performer in their last outing was Ryan Hunt, who posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the contest is projected to be a high-scoring affair, ending in a 100-100 tie.

The game is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Thatcher.