TYLER, Texas (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking to reverse recent slides will meet Wednesday when the Bossier Parish Cavaliers visit the Tyler Apaches.

Both squads enter the Jan. 7 contest on the heels of losses this past Saturday and own sub-.500 records overall. Bossier Parish (3-4) was routed 98-52 at home by Trinity Valley. Tyler (2-5) fell 75-72 on the road against Coastal Bend.

The Cavaliers’ season has been marked by inconsistency. Following a promising 2-0 start with wins over Baton Rouge and Paris, they have dropped four of their last five games. Their lone victory in that stretch was a narrow 63-62 home win over Navarro on Dec. 6. Defense has been a particular concern, as they have allowed an average of 86.5 points in their four losses.

The Apaches have struggled to find a winning formula, with their two victories coming at home against Navarro (79-76) and Lamar State-Port Arthur (85-75). Their five losses have been by an average margin of just 5.6 points, including an overtime defeat to open the season. Their performance against Coastal Bend, however, showed an ability to compete on the road.

Wednesday’s matchup presents a critical opportunity for either team to build momentum ahead of a tough stretch of conference play. For Bossier Parish, it is the start of a two-game road trip before returning home. For Tyler, it is the first of three consecutive home games.

The teams will meet again in Bossier City, Louisiana, on Jan. 28.