Preview: Southern Idaho Eagles at Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters

THATCHER, Ariz. (Interstat) — A swift rematch highlights the junior college men’s basketball slate Monday as the Southern Idaho Eagles visit the Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters.

Just 10 days after meeting in Twin Falls, the teams reconvene at Guitteau Gymnasium with contrasting momentum. Southern Idaho (8-1) enters ranked eighth nationally in the latest NJCAA Division I poll and is coming off a 69-55 road win at Yavapai. Eastern Arizona (7-4) last played on Dec. 6, routing Colorado Northwestern 103-77.

The Eagles won the first meeting 74-64 on Dec. 5, leveraging a balanced attack. Player to watch Ace Reiser, a versatile guard, contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in that victory. Reiser is averaging 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists over his last four games, including an 18-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist effort in the Eagles’ lone loss to Odessa.

Eastern Arizona seeks home-court revenge and will look for a stronger performance from Jason Van Horn. The guard was limited to just 5 minutes in the first matchup but exploded for 20 points in 24 minutes off the bench in the team’s following game. His scoring punch will be vital for a Gila Monsters offense that shot poorly in the first encounter.

Southern Idaho’s defense has been a cornerstone, holding opponents to an average of 64.2 points per game. Eastern Arizona averages 77.5 points but was held 13 below that in the loss to CSI.

The Eagles have won six straight in the series. Following this game, Southern Idaho breaks until a Jan. 3 road game at North Idaho. Eastern Arizona opens a three-game Texas road swing on Jan. 2 at Weatherford.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. MST.