PENSACOLA, Fla. (Interstat) — An early-season test awaits the unbeaten Pensacola State Pirates as they host the surging Trinity Valley Cardinals on Tuesday in the Pensacola State Thanksgiving Classic.

The Pirates (5-0) are one of the few remaining undefeated men’s junior college teams in the region, though they haven’t played since a 63-48 road win over Coastal Alabama on Nov. 11. They will face their toughest opponent to date in the Cardinals.

Trinity Valley (4-1) enters on a three-game winning streak, including a 79-57 victory over Grayson on Nov. 18. The Cardinals’ offense was fueled by a balanced attack in that win, with Davin Mercer scoring 15 points and Armani “Mani” Henderson adding 14 points and four assists. Moussa Konare controlled the paint, pulling down 13 rebounds.

The Cardinals’ only loss this season came on the road against Midland, 75-62, on Nov. 14.

This non-conference matchup pits Pensacola State’s perfect record against a Trinity Valley team that has won its games by an average margin of 22.5 points. The outcome could have early implications for national junior college rankings.

Tipoff is set for Tuesday at the Pensacola State Thanksgiving Classic.