Preview: Itawamba Indians at Northwest Mississippi Tigers

FULTON, Miss. (Interstat) — A pair of men’s junior college basketball teams riding different momentum will clash Tuesday when the Itawamba Indians visit the Northwest Mississippi Tigers.

The Indians (9-6) enter on a high note after an 89-76 home victory over Northeast Mississippi on Jan. 15. Itawamba’s attack was balanced in that win, with Kyler Fox posting a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, Jaden Harper adding 14 points and six assists, and DJ Davis contributing 10 points.

Fox, a consistent interior force, will be a key player for the visitors.

Northwest Mississippi (8-5), however, looks to rebound from a 95-85 road loss to Holmes on that same date. The Tigers’ strength lies in forward Demetrius Duffy, who has been on a remarkable tear. Despite the loss, Duffy scored 18 points with eight rebounds against Holmes. In his previous three games, he averaged 19 points and 11.7 rebounds, including a 20-point, 15-rebound performance in a win over Lawson State on Jan. 5.

The matchup between Fox and Duffy in the paint could dictate the tempo.

Itawamba has shown offensive firepower, scoring over 100 points twice this season, but also has bouts of inconsistency, as seen in a 72-82 loss at Coahoma on Jan. 12. Northwest Mississippi’s season features both explosive wins, like a 107-100 victory over East Mississippi, and defensive lapses, allowing an average of 100 points in their five losses.

This contest marks the start of a critical stretch for both teams in region play. Following this game, Itawamba hosts Copiah-Lincoln on Jan. 22, while Northwest Mississippi travels to face Coahoma on the same date.

Tip-off is set for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at Northwest Mississippi’s home court.