ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (Interstat) — A key men’s junior college basketball matchup in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference is set for Saturday when the Cowley College Tigers host the Independence Community College Pirates.

The game, scheduled for Jan. 10, 2026, features two teams looking to build momentum in conference play. The visiting Pirates (7-4) enter on a two-game winning streak, including an 81-76 victory over Barton on Wednesday. The home-standing Tigers (8-5) seek to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 96-75 road loss to Butler (Kan.) on the same night.

A focal point will be the clash of standout forwards. Independence is led by Trashaun Combs-Pierce, who is coming off a strong all-around performance with 10 points, five rebounds and four blocks against Barton. In his previous game, a Jan. 3 overtime win against Seward County, he scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Cowley will counter with Roman Miller, a dynamic scorer who poured in 30 points in the loss to Butler despite the team’s defeat. Miller has been a consistent offensive force for the Tigers throughout the season.

In Wednesday’s win for Independence, Sterling Knox and David Wilson joined Combs-Pierce as key contributors, each scoring 19 points. Knox also dished out six assists. For Cowley in its last outing, Marcus Smith supported Miller’s 30-point effort with 16 points and six assists.

The Tigers have been strong at home this season, boasting notable wins over Pratt and Coffeyville in Arkansas City. The Pirates have shown resilience in close games, with four of their seven wins coming by five points or fewer.

Following this contest, Independence will host Dodge City on Jan. 14, while Cowley will prepare to host Seward County on the same date.