GADSDEN, Ala. (Interstat) — A pair of Alabama junior college men’s basketball teams seeking consistency will meet Thursday when the Gadsden State Cardinals host the Lawson State Cougars.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 22 at Beck Field House.

Lawson State (5-7) enters with momentum from an 88-76 road win over Coastal Alabama on Monday. The Cougars have shown a potent offense, averaging 82.3 points per game in their last three contests, but have struggled defensively, allowing 92 points per game in that span.

The Cougars are led by guard Yusef Bowyer, who is coming off a spectacular 32-point performance in a win over Shelton State on Jan. 15. In his last two games, Bowyer is averaging 27.5 points.

Gadsden State (4-4) looks to rebound from a narrow 75-72 home loss to Wallace State on Monday. The Cardinals have alternated wins and losses in their last six games. Their offense has been efficient in wins, scoring 89, 96 and 78 points in their victories, but has dipped below 80 points in three of their four losses.

The Cardinals counter with their own standout in forward KeShawn Watkins. He posted 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists in the loss to Wallace State, demonstrating his ability to produce inside.

This matchup will be the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Birmingham on Feb. 19. The game features a contrast in styles, with Lawson State’s high-scoring attack facing a Gadsden State team that has found success when controlling the tempo.

Both teams are in the early stages of their conference schedules and view this as a key opportunity to build a winning streak. Following this game, Lawson State will host Southern Union State on Monday, while Gadsden State will host Calhoun.