Preview: Lamar Runnin’ Lopes at Western Nebraska Cougars

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking to reverse difficult starts to the season will meet Wednesday when the Lamar Runnin’ Lopes visit the Western Nebraska Cougars at Cougar Palace.

Both teams enter the contest with nearly identical records. Lamar is 4-11 overall, while Western Nebraska sits at 4-12. Each squad is looking to build momentum after recent losses.

The Runnin’ Lopes are coming off an 83-69 home loss to Western Wyoming on Jan. 6. Lamar has lost five of its last six games, with the lone win in that stretch a 73-69 victory over Frank Phillips on Nov. 28. A key player for Lamar is RJ Foreman, who posted 12 points, six rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes against Western Wyoming.

Western Nebraska has lost two straight, including a narrow 68-67 defeat to Northeastern (Colo.) on Saturday. In that game, Isaiah St. Preux led the Cougars with 14 points, six rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes. St. Preux has been a consistent contributor, averaging 11.3 points over his last three outings.

The Cougars showed offensive firepower in a 105-85 road win at Casper on Jan. 7, but have allowed an average of 92 points in their two subsequent losses.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this matchup is projected to be a high-scoring and even affair, with a predicted final score of 100-100.

The game will be the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams this season. They are scheduled to play again at Lamar on Feb. 11.

Following Wednesday’s contest, Lamar will travel to face Northeastern (Colo.) on Saturday. Western Nebraska will host Southeast on Saturday.