Bears, Roadrunners Set for Rematch in Lufkin

LUFKIN, Texas (Interstat) — The Angelina College Roadrunners look to continue a winning season and complete a regular-season sweep when they host the struggling Baton Rouge Community College Bears in a men’s junior college basketball game Tuesday.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST at the Shands Gymnasium.

The Roadrunners (6-3) enter the contest with momentum, coming off an 87-79 road victory over Bossier Parish on Dec. 13. They previously edged the Bears 52-49 in Baton Rouge on Nov. 21 in the teams’ most recent head-to-head meeting. Angelina’s season has featured a strong 4-1 record at home.

Conversely, the Bears (1-10) are mired in a difficult season, with their lone victory a 123-74 rout of Community Christian on Dec. 10. That win snapped a nine-game losing streak to open the year. Their schedule has been challenging, including losses to nationally ranked programs like Northwest Florida State and East Mississippi.

In the November matchup, Angelina’s defense proved decisive, holding Baton Rouge under 50 points. The Bears will need significant production from their top performers in the Community Christian win, namely Julius Crosby (20 points, 9 assists), Clarence Payia (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Daemon Ely (10 points, 9 rebounds) to challenge on the road.

Angelina has shown balance, averaging over 70 points per game in its victories. The Roadrunners will conclude their non-conference slate with this game before opening Region XIV play at home against Paris on Jan. 3.

For Baton Rouge, this game represents a final opportunity to build confidence before its own conference schedule begins Jan. 6 against Hinds. The Bears have lost six straight games against NJCAA Region XIV opponents this season.

The Roadrunners hold a clear advantage in record and recent form, but the Bears’ explosive offensive performance in their last outing suggests potential for a more competitive rematch in Lufkin.