Preview: Lions Clash in Junior College Showdown

SCOOBA, Miss. (Interstat) — A men’s junior college basketball rematch between two teams sharing the Lions nickname will highlight Tuesday’s slate as East Mississippi hosts Wallace State.

The game is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

East Mississippi (8-3) enters with the stronger overall record and will look to defend its home court after a recent 95-80 road loss to Calhoun on Dec. 31. In that defeat, guard Jace O’Neal shined with 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 38 minutes, establishing himself as a player to watch in this contest.

Wallace State (5-6) seeks to even the season series and halt a two-game skid, most recently an 89-82 loss at Gordon State on Jan. 3. The visiting Lions have shown offensive capability, scoring 110 points in a win over Pellissippi State on Dec. 19, but consistency has been an issue.

The previous meeting between these teams was a high-scoring affair on Dec. 5, with East Mississippi securing a narrow 105-101 road victory at Wallace State. That result will likely provide motivation for the hosts and a blueprint for revenge for the visitors.

East Mississippi’s season has been marked by a strong start and resilient play, with notable wins over Shelton State and Southern Union State. Wallace State’s campaign has seen more volatility, including an overtime win against Gordon State earlier in December followed by the recent loss to the same opponent.

Following this matchup, East Mississippi continues its Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference schedule with a road game at Itawamba on Jan. 8. Wallace State’s next contest is at Bishop State on Jan. 15.

Tuesday’s clash offers Wallace State a chance to climb back to .500 and gain a key road win, while East Mississippi aims to solidify its winning record and complete a regular-season sweep.