Preview: Howard (Tex.) Hawks at New Mexico Military Broncos

ROSWELL, N.M. (Interstat) — A surging Howard (Tex.) College men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it visits New Mexico Military Institute in a junior college matchup Thursday night at Cahoon Armory Gym.

The Hawks (12-2) enter on a five-game win streak, most recently defeating Frank Phillips 69-50 on Monday. Howard has dominated during its run, winning those games by an average margin of 24.2 points.

Howard is led by forward Terry Copeland, who is coming off an 18-point, 9-rebound performance against Frank Phillips. Over his last three games, Copeland is averaging 15.7 points and 6.0 rebounds.

He is complemented by guards Dace Pleasant and Daniel Culberson, who each scored 16 points in Monday’s victory. Howard’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to 58.2 points per game during the win streak.

The New Mexico Military Broncos (7-7) aim to rebound from a 78-51 road loss to Western Texas on Monday. The Broncos have alternated wins and losses over their past six games.

Guard Rushawn Greene, who had 12 points, three rebounds and three assists in the loss to Western Texas, is a key player for the Broncos. Forward Joel Pinto added 10 points off the bench in that contest.

Home court has been an advantage for NMMI, which is 5-2 at Cahoon Armory this season. Those losses came in a narrow 101-98 defeat to Arizona Western and a 100-88 result against Blinn.

Howard has shown potency on the road as well, posting a 5-1 record away from home this season.

This contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They are scheduled to meet again at Howard on Feb. 9.

Following this game, Howard will host New Mexico on Jan. 12. New Mexico Military will travel to face Clarendon on Jan. 12.

Tipoff is set for Thursday night in Roswell.