Preview: Casper Thunderbirds at Northeastern (Colo.) Plainsmen

STERLING, Colo. (Interstat) — The Northeastern Junior College Plainsmen will seek to even the season series and defend their home court when they host the Casper College Thunderbirds in a men’s junior college basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.

Both teams enter with 5-9 overall records, but their recent trajectories differ. The Plainsmen have won three consecutive games, including a 76-74 victory over Laramie County on Dec. 13. In that win, Dodge Davis led the way with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Ethan Carter added 20 points.

The Thunderbirds, meanwhile, look to rebound from a difficult 103-68 road loss to Snow College on Dec. 13, which capped a four-game skid. Casper showed offensive capability in that defeat, with Aaron Sievert scoring 22 points and Zaire Richardson nearly posting a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds.

This matchup is a quick rematch of a Nov. 15 game in Casper, which the Thunderbirds won 79-65. In that contest, Casper’s defense held Northeastern (Colo.) to 65 points, one of the Plainsmen’s lowest offensive outputs of the season.

The game features a contrast in momentum. Northeastern (Colo.) has found a rhythm in close games, winning its last two by a combined four points. Casper will aim to rediscover the form that produced a three-game win streak in late November, which included the earlier victory over the Plainsmen.

For Casper, consistency beyond Sievert and Richardson will be key. Channing Cade, who had nine points and six assists in the last outing, is a primary facilitator. Northeastern (Colo.) will rely on the scoring punch of Davis and Carter, supported by Quis Davis’s all-around play after his seven-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance.

Following this game, Northeastern (Colo.) travels to face Western Nebraska on Jan. 10. Casper’s next contest is at Central Wyoming on Jan. 14.

Tip-off is set for Thursday night at the Bank of Colorado Event Center.