LIBERAL, Kan. (Interstat) — A key men’s junior college basketball matchup in the Jayhawk Conference is set for Saturday when the Seward County Saints host the Barton Cougars at The Greenhouse.

The Saints (11-4) enter with a slightly better overall record than the Cougars (10-6), with both teams looking to rebound from recent road losses at Independence. Seward County fell 87-83 in overtime on Jan. 3, while Barton dropped a 81-76 decision this past Wednesday.

A premier interior battle is expected, featuring two of the region’s top forwards. Barton will rely on Sebastian Muchitsch, who is coming off a strong stretch. He posted 24 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Butler (Kan.) on Jan. 3 and added 13 points and eight rebounds in the loss at Independence.

Seward County counters with Awit Mamer, a consistent force who recorded a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds against Butler on Dec. 13 and followed with 14 points and eight rebounds in the overtime loss at Independence.

For Barton, support for Muchitsch comes from Noah Williams, who grabbed 11 rebounds against Independence, and Aris Rodriguez, who led the team with 16 points in that game. Seward County boasts balanced scoring, as Lucas N’Gombo (16 points) and JJ Chapman (14 points) each added eight rebounds alongside Mamer in their last outing.

The game is a critical early conference test for both squads. Barton’s season has featured high-scoring affairs, including a 118-113 victory over Butler, but also defensive lapses in losses. Seward County has shown resilience, with narrow wins over Garden City and Pratt, but seeks more consistency after a blowout loss to Coffeyville in November.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Barton’s next game is at home against Cowley on Jan. 17. Seward County travels to face Cowley on Wednesday, Jan. 14.