HAYS, Kan. (Interstat) — A surging Barton squad looks to continue its strong start when the Cougars visit a struggling Fort Hays Tech team in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Tuesday night.

The Barton Cougars (9-3) enter on a two-game win streak following a 76-68 victory over Pratt on Saturday. The Fort Hays Tech Trailblazers (4-5), meanwhile, seek to halt a four-game skid, most recently a 73-61 loss at Seward County.

Barton’s success has been fueled by balance and timely scoring. Guard Jayden Ramirez is a key catalyst, coming off a 20-point performance against Pratt. Over his last six full games, Ramirez is averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He is supported by contributors like Mikey Williams, who added 15 points off the bench Saturday.

Fort Hays Tech will counter with forward Matija Otasevic, who has been a consistent presence. Otasevic is averaging 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this season and posted 13 points and six rebounds in the loss to Seward County. The Trailblazers’ offense has shown potency but has been hampered during their losing streak by defensive lapses, allowing an average of 97 points in the four defeats.

The teams share one common opponent this season. Barton defeated Pratt by eight points at home, while Fort Hays Tech beat Pratt by 25 on the road in November.

Historically, Barton has navigated a challenging early schedule, with its three losses coming by a combined 12 points. Fort Hays Tech aims to leverage home court advantage to steady its season before a tough road test at Cowley looms Saturday.

Tip-off is set for Tuesday night at Fort Hays Tech’s arena.