Preview: Lawson State Cougars at Northwest Mississippi Tigers

SENATOBIA, Miss. (Interstat) — The Northwest Mississippi Tigers look to build on a high-scoring victory when they host the Lawson State Cougars in a men’s junior college basketball game Monday night.

The Tigers (5-4) enter the contest averaging over 100 points per game in their last two outings, including a 116-96 home win over Meridian on Dec. 15. Demetrius Duffy led the charge in that game with 26 points and seven rebounds, while Ladarrius Brown added 19 points. Northwest Mississippi’s offense has been potent, but the team has also shown defensive vulnerability, allowing an average of 101 points in its four losses.

Lawson State (3-5) snapped a three-game skid with an 84-69 home win over Northeast Mississippi on Dec. 5. Keaton Cross paced the Cougars with 16 points, four assists and two blocks in that victory. The Cougars have struggled on the road this season, with all five losses coming away from home, including a 103-46 defeat at Northwest Florida State on Nov. 7.

This matchup begins a critical home-and-home series between the teams, as they are scheduled to meet again in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday. The Tigers will aim to protect their home court, where they are 3-2 this season. The Cougars, seeking their first road win, will rely on the balanced effort shown in their last win, where three players scored in double figures.

Northwest Mississippi holds the better overall record, but its defense will be tested by a Lawson State team coming off its best offensive performance of the season. The Tigers’ firepower, however, presents a significant challenge for a Cougars squad that has allowed 91 points or more in four of its five losses.

Tipoff is set for Monday night at Northwest Mississippi’s Howard Coliseum.