WEST PLAINS, Mo. (Interstat) — A surging Mineral Area College men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it visits struggling Missouri State University-West Plains in a junior college matchup Wednesday night.

The Mineral Area Cardinals (10-5) enter on a three-game win streak, most recently routing State Fair Community College 90-61 on Jan. 7. The Missouri State-West Plains Grizzlies (3-7) have lost four of their last five, including a 90-60 defeat at Moberly Area on Saturday.

Mineral Area’s success has been built on balanced scoring and defensive pressure. In the win over State Fair, Jordyn Richard, Nassir Binion and Nazir Allen were among the most productive players. Allen, a key player to watch, is coming off a dominant 28-point, 11-rebound performance in a road win at Lake Land on Dec. 17.

The Grizzlies will counter with guard Shunderrius Glass, who posted 10 points, six rebounds and two assists in the loss to Moberly Area. Missouri State-West Plains has shown offensive flashes, scoring 92 and 96 points in wins last December, but has struggled with consistency, particularly on defense.

The teams are projected for a high-scoring affair. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 100-100 final score, suggesting a potential shootout despite the disparity in records.

This game is the first of three regular-season meetings between the Region 16 rivals. They will meet again at Mineral Area on Feb. 4 and Feb. 25.

For Mineral Area, this begins a critical stretch of region games. The Cardinals visit Three Rivers on Saturday. Missouri State-West Plains continues its homestand against State Fair on Saturday.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.