CHICAGO (Interstat) — A crosstown junior college men’s basketball matchup featuring two teams on different trajectories will tip off Wednesday when the Southeastern Blackhawks visit the Malcolm X Hawks.

Malcolm X (5-2) enters the contest riding a five-game winning streak, including an 86-80 road victory over Highland (Ill.) last Saturday. The Hawks have been dominant during their run, winning those games by an average margin of 28.2 points. A key to their success has been the recent insertion of Arnas Samaitis into the lineup. After minimal early-season action, Samaitis has provided a major boost, posting a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds against Harry S Truman on Dec. 2 and grabbing 16 rebounds against Richard J Daley on Nov. 25.

Southeastern (5-5) looks to build momentum after snapping a two-game skid with a 64-52 home win over Kankakee on Saturday. The Blackhawks have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over their past six games. They will lean on guard Jacob Franklin, who is coming off a standout 20-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance in the win over Kankakee. Franklin has shown high-scoring ability, dropping 29 points in a loss to Moberly Area on Nov. 22, but his production has fluctuated.

The game will be a battle of Hawks nicknames and could hinge on interior play. Malcolm X’s Samaitis will test a Southeastern frontcourt that saw Kalvyne Eby contribute nine points and seven rebounds off the bench last game. Malcolm X’s defense has been stifling during its streak, holding three of its last five opponents under 60 points.

Wednesday’s contest is the first of a regular-season home-and-home series. The teams will meet again at Southeastern on Jan. 31, 2026. For Malcolm X, this begins a stretch of three home games in four contests. Southeastern faces a tough upcoming schedule, with a road game against Indian Hills looming on Jan. 10.