THATCHER, Ariz. (Interstat) — Two of the NJCAA’s early-season men’s basketball teams, the North Idaho Cardinal and the Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters, will clash Friday night in a non-conference matchup.

North Idaho (4-1) enters the contest on a hot streak, having won its last three games. The Cardinal are coming off an 85-71 road victory over Central Arizona on Thursday. Ajayi Simmons led the way with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Ne’quan Brown added 17 points and nine rebounds.

Eastern Arizona (4-3) also won its most recent game, defeating Casper 82-66 on Thursday behind a 23-point performance from Kofi Peyton and a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double from Ryan Hunt. The Gila Monsters have shown offensive firepower, including a 111-point outing in a win over Western Nebraska last week, but have also suffered lopsided losses on the road.

Statistically, the game appears evenly matched, though the Interstat ELO system gives Eastern Arizona a slight edge, projecting the Gila Monsters with a 55.6% probability to win at home.

The contest is the first of a back-to-back for both squads. North Idaho travels to face Cochise on Saturday, while Eastern Arizona will host Hagerstown.