Preview: South Plains Texans vs. Southern Nevada Coyotes

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Two teams on different trajectories will meet Wednesday when the South Plains College Texans face the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes in a men’s junior college basketball matchup at the SLCC Holiday Tournament hosted at Bishop Gorman High School.

The Texans (8-2) enter riding a three-game win streak, most recently edging Weatherford 63-61 on the road last Saturday. South Plains has shown resilience, winning two overtime games this month, including a 98-96 victory over Lamar on Dec. 6.

Southern Nevada (3-2) seeks consistency after a blowout 96-59 win over Community Christian on Dec. 11 snapped a two-game skid that included a 97-61 loss to Utah State Eastern.

A key matchup will feature high-scoring guards. South Plains is led by Deion Ware, who is averaging 17.5 points over his last four games. Ware erupted for 27 points, seven rebounds and two assists in the overtime win against Lamar.

The Coyotes counter with Ivoryon Cuffee, who is coming off a dominant all-around performance with 20 points, six rebounds and eight assists in the rout of Community Christian. His playmaking will be critical against a stout Texans defense.

South Plains’ record is built on a balanced attack and tough defense, holding opponents to an average of 68.5 points in their last two wins. Southern Nevada’s offense, which averages 86.6 points per game, will test that defense. In their Dec. 11 win, Ryan Raad added 25 points and Gerald Patterson had 17 points and nine rebounds for the Coyotes.

This tournament game serves as a final non-conference test for both squads before January league play begins. South Plains opens Western Junior College Athletic Conference action on Jan. 5 at Odessa. Southern Nevada begins a rugged stretch of Arizona Community College Athletic Conference games on Jan. 8 at Cochise.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday at the SLCC Holiday Tournament site. The Texans will face Salt Lake Community College on Thursday, while the Coyotes host Howard College (Texas) on Friday.