BIG SPRING, Texas (Interstat) — A marquee men’s junior college basketball showdown is set for Monday night as the surging New Mexico Thunderbirds visit the Howard (Tex.) Hawks in a clash of nationally ranked contenders.

The Thunderbirds (10-1), whose only loss came on the road against Collin County in late November, bring a nine-game winning streak into the contest. They are coming off a dominant 72-49 victory over Western Texas on Thursday, where their depth was on full display. New Mexico has scored 80 or more points in seven of its wins this season.

Howard (Tex.) (13-2) has been equally impressive, riding a five-game win streak of its own. The Hawks are a force at home and are fresh off a 104-69 road rout of New Mexico Military Institute. Their two losses this season were both to Lamar, splitting a unique home-and-away series on the same day in November.

A key matchup will feature two standout forwards. New Mexico’s Delang Muon has been consistently efficient, scoring 14 points in each of his last two recorded games against Western Texas and North Platte. For the Hawks, Terry Copeland provides a major scoring and rebounding presence. He is coming off an 18-point, 9-rebound performance in a win over Frank Phillips and dropped 20 points against Southern Nevada in December.

The game at Howard College’s Dorothy Garrett Coliseum represents a major early test in the regional schedule. Both teams boast potent offenses and stifling defenses, with each having multiple wins by 30 or more points this season. They are scheduled to meet again in just over a month on Feb. 12 in New Mexico.

Monday’s winner will gain significant momentum in conference positioning. For New Mexico, it’s a chance to validate its stellar record against a premier opponent on the road. For Howard, it’s an opportunity to defend its home court and solidify its status as a regional power.