Struggling Teams Seek Momentum in Junior College Clash

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams looking to build on rare recent wins will meet Saturday when the Colorado Northwestern Spartans visit the Yavapai Roughriders at the Findlay Hyundai Prescott Classic.

Both squads enter with losing records. Colorado Northwestern is 3-8 overall, while Yavapai sits at 2-5.

The Spartans snapped a six-game losing streak with a dramatic 88-87 road victory at Central Arizona on Friday night. They will aim to carry that momentum into Prescott and secure their first winning streak of the season.

Yavapai, however, is looking to rebound from a 69-55 home loss to Southern Idaho on Friday. The Roughriders’ most recent win was an 85-70 decision over Community Christian on Dec. 6.

A key matchup will feature the teams’ top performers. Colorado Northwestern is led by guard Jordan Jones, who has been a consistent playmaker. Over his last six games, Jones is averaging 9.8 points and 4.7 assists, including a 23-point, 8-assist effort against Eastern Arizona on Dec. 6.

Yavapai will counter with forward Rudolfs Svitins, who is coming off a 38-minute, 16-point performance in the loss to Southern Idaho. Svitins showcased his scoring potential with 24 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Community Christian.

The game represents a final non-conference opportunity for both programs before January league play begins. Colorado Northwestern will open Scenic West Athletic Conference action at Snow on Jan. 3. Yavapai begins Arizona Community College Athletic Conference play at Eastern Arizona on Jan. 10.

Saturday’s contest tips off at 4 p.m. local time.