HOBBS, N.M. (Interstat) — A surging New Mexico Junior College men’s basketball team will look to continue its dominant start when it hosts North Platte Community College in the NMJC Classic 5 on Tuesday night at the Caster Activity Center.

The Thunderbirds (8-1) have won four straight games, including a decisive 86-58 victory over Ranger College last Saturday. They have averaged 95.5 points per game during their current win streak, showcasing a potent offense.

New Mexico is led by Delang Muon, who is coming off a 20-point, six-rebound performance in just 20 minutes against Ranger. The forward has been a key contributor during the team’s hot stretch.

They will face a North Platte squad that has been inconsistent, sitting at .500 with a 5-5 record. The Knights are coming off a 95-89 road win at Eastern Wyoming on Dec. 6, where Dennis Rocha scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Rocha’s production has varied, but his high-scoring ability makes him a focal point for the Knights’ offense.

North Platte’s most recent result before the break was a 74-76 loss at Laramie County on Dec. 5. The Knights have shown they can score, topping 90 points in four games this season, but will face one of their toughest defensive tests yet.

New Mexico’s lone loss came on the road against Collin County, 86-77, on Nov. 29. Since then, they have won by an average margin of 28.3 points.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. MST on Tuesday as part of the NMJC Classic 5 event. Following this contest, North Platte will not play again until Jan. 10 at McCook, while New Mexico resumes its schedule Jan. 8 at home against Western Texas.