Preview: Mineral Area Cardinals at Lake Land Lakers

MATTOON, Ill. (Interstat) — The Mineral Area College Cardinals, riding the momentum of a signature win, will visit the struggling Lake Land College Lakers in a men’s junior college basketball matchup on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Mineral Area (7-5) enters off an 84-78 home victory over Indian Hills last Saturday. The Cardinals have shown a pattern of following losses with wins, having not dropped consecutive games since early November. Forward Ngundeng Ruey is a key figure, coming off a season-high 17-point, 6-rebound performance in the win. Ruey has been inconsistent but impactful, averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds in two of his last six outings.

Lake Land (1-5) seeks to halt a five-game skid, most recently an 83-73 road loss to Lincoln Trail on Dec. 10. The Lakers have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 89.2 points during their losing streak. Guard Lavell Tinsley provides a bright spot, scoring a team-high 24 points in the last contest.

The Cardinals boast a more balanced attack. In the win over Indian Hills, Nassir Binion added 15 points and four assists, while Nazir Allen contributed 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Mineral Area’s schedule has been challenging, with four of their five losses coming by six points or fewer.

Lake Land will need a collective effort beyond Tinsley. Keenan Gray dished out seven assists and Loic Affoumon scored 17 points in the team’s previous game.

This non-conference contest represents a final tune-up before the winter break for both programs. Mineral Area will look to solidify its winning record, while Lake Land aims to find a winning formula before region play resumes in January.