ODESSA, Texas (Interstat) — A marquee men’s junior college basketball showdown is set for Thursday when the No. 13-ranked Howard (Texas) Hawks visit the Odessa Wranglers at the OC Sports Center.

The matchup features two of the region’s top teams, with Howard entering at 15-2 overall and Odessa at 13-4. Both squads are riding the momentum of dominant home victories this past Monday, with Howard routing Western Texas 72-47 and Odessa demolishing Frank Phillips 91-50.

Howard, whose only losses came in November, has been led by the consistent all-around play of guard Daniel Culberson. Over his last three games, Culberson is averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He posted 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the win over Western Texas, supported by Kuai Deng’s 15 points and five assists.

Odessa counters with dynamic guard Ahmere Carson, who is coming off a spectacularly efficient performance. In just 15 minutes against Frank Phillips, Carson scored 18 points, grabbed four rebounds and dished out seven assists. His playmaking will be critical against a stout Howard defense that has held its last three opponents to 55 points or fewer.

The Wranglers’ offense, however, has shown explosive potential, averaging 89 points in their last two home wins. They will need that firepower to challenge a Howard team that has won its games by an average margin of 22.8 points this season.

This contest is the first of a regular-season series between the rivals, who will meet again in Big Spring on Feb. 23. The outcome will provide early clarity in the conference standings as both teams jockey for postseason position.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. CST Thursday at the OC Sports Center.