Preview: Wallace State Lions at Gadsden State Cardinals

HANCEVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — The Wallace State Lions and Gadsden State Cardinals will meet in a men’s junior college basketball game Monday, looking to build momentum in a tightly contested region.

The visiting Lions (7-6) enter on a high note after an 84-83 overtime road victory at Bishop State on Thursday. Austin Davenport was pivotal in that win, recording a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds in just 24 minutes off the bench, adding three blocked shots. Jaeden Rush led all scorers with 23 points, while Viczavious Madden added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Wallace State has shown a pattern of playing close games, with four of its last six contests decided by six points or fewer or in overtime.

The Gadsden State Cardinals (4-3) are seeking consistency after a 96-87 home win over Coastal Alabama on Thursday. The Cardinals have played a shorter schedule but have been strong at home, boasting a 3-1 record in their own gym. A player to watch for Gadsden State is Marcus Towns.

Monday’s matchup is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams this season. They are scheduled to play again at Wallace State on Feb. 16.

For Wallace State, the game begins a critical stretch against in-state conference foes. The Lions will host Southern Union State on Jan. 22. Gadsden State continues its homestand, hosting Lawson State on Jan. 22.

Tip-off is set for Monday night at Gadsden State.