Preview: Trinity Valley Cardinals at Angelina Roadrunners

LUFKIN, Texas (Interstat) — The surging Trinity Valley Cardinals, boasting one of the nation’s top junior college men’s basketball records, visit the Angelina Roadrunners in a non-conference matchup Wednesday.

Trinity Valley (9-1) enters on a nine-game winning streak, its lone loss coming in the season’s second game. The Cardinals are coming off an 80-72 road victory over Tyler on Saturday, where Zati Loubaki scored 15 points. Loubaki has been a consistent force, averaging 15.5 points and 5.3 rebounds over his last four contests, including a 25-point performance against Kilgore.

Angelina (5-2) looks to build momentum after a 76-62 home win over Coastal Bend, also on Saturday. Daemon Ely led the Roadrunners with 14 points and five rebounds in that victory. The Roadrunners’ two losses this season have come in low-scoring affairs, including a 51-37 defeat to McLennan.

The Cardinals’ offense has been potent during their streak, averaging 77.2 points per game. Beyond Loubaki, Trinity Valley has balanced scoring with contributors like Armani “Mani” Henderson (13 points vs. Tyler) and M.J. Wardlow, who dished five assists in the same game.

Angelina will counter with a defense that has held opponents to an average of 56.3 points in its five wins. Ely’s activity inside, evidenced by his seven-rebound, two-block game against McLennan, will be key against Trinity Valley’s attack.

This game serves as a final non-conference test for both teams before region play intensifies in January. Trinity Valley visits Bossier Parish on Jan. 3, while Angelina hosts Baton Rouge on Dec. 30.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday night at Angelina College.