HOBBS, N.M. (Interstat) — A surging New Mexico Junior College men’s basketball team will look to continue its dominant start when it hosts a struggling Ranger College squad in the NMJC Classic on Saturday.

The Thunderbirds (7-1) have won six straight games, most recently a 101-77 rout of Lamar Community College on Thursday. They are averaging 86.6 points per game during their win streak. Guard RJ Nance has been a key catalyst, erupting for 21 points in just 23 minutes against Lamar. He has scored 21 points in two of his last four appearances.

Ranger (4-7) arrives after snapping a three-game skid with a 65-59 home win over Lamar on Friday. The Rangers have found wins hard to come by, with their victories coming by an average margin of just 6.5 points.

A focal point will be the matchup in the frontcourt. Ranger’s Dave Meriwether is coming off a strong, efficient performance, posting 8 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in 17 minutes Friday. He has recorded double-digit rebounds in three of his last five games. New Mexico will counter with its own interior presence in Ladji Coulibaly, who had 8 rebounds and 6 points in the win over Lamar.

The Thunderbirds have been formidable at the Caster Activity Center, winning all four of their home games this season by an average of 28.5 points. Ranger is 2-4 on the road, with those two wins coming by a combined 11 points.

Historically, this non-conference matchup presents a stark contrast in trajectory. New Mexico has built its record against a schedule that includes four games where it scored 92 points or more. Ranger has allowed 76 points or more in eight of its 11 games and will need to find consistent defensive answers to slow the Thunderbirds’ offensive rhythm.

Saturday’s game tips off at 4 p.m. Mountain Time as part of the NMJC Classic. New Mexico hosts North Platte on Tuesday, while Ranger’s next game is not until Jan. 3 against Eastern Arizona.