BIG SPRING, Texas (Interstat) — Two surging men’s junior college basketball teams with identical records will meet Thursday when the Mineral Area Cardinals visit the Howard (Tex.) Hawks at Dorothy Garrett Coliseum.

Both teams enter the non-conference matchup at 6-2. Mineral Area, from Park Hills, Missouri, has won four straight games, including an 89-52 rout of Olney Central on Nov. 22. In that victory, Ramello Smith led the Cardinals with 21 points, while Nazir Allen added nine points and eight rebounds.

The Hawks, based in Big Spring, carry a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating Grayson 82-63 on Nov. 29. Howard has shown balance and resilience, with its two losses coming by a combined three points.

The game features a contrast in scheduling rhythms. Mineral Area will be playing its first game in nearly two weeks, while Howard has been more active, playing three times since the Cardinals’ last outing. The Cardinals begin a tough Texas road trip, facing Midland and Western Texas in the following days. Howard’s next game is at home against Temple on Saturday.

With both teams appearing in early postseason contention, Thursday’s contest offers a key regional benchmark before the winter break. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.