Preview: North Platte Knights at Lamar Runnin’ Lopes

LAMAR, Colo. (Interstat) — Two Region IX men’s junior college basketball teams on winning streaks will meet Saturday when the North Platte Knights visit the Lamar Community College Runnin’ Lopes.

The Knights (9-6) have won four consecutive games, most recently a 102-71 rout of Southeast Community College on Wednesday. Lamar (6-11) has won two straight, including a 100-78 victory over McCook on the same night.

North Platte’s surge has been fueled by balanced scoring and the recent play of guard Justus Michael. Over the last three games, Michael is averaging 18.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. He posted a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Trinidad State on Jan. 16. In Wednesday’s win, Dennis Rocha added 12 points and five rebounds, while Brady Kennison scored 17 points.

The Runnin’ Lopes counter with their own hot hand in guard Christian Payawal. He is coming off a 20-point, eight-assist performance against McCook and has averaged 16.5 points and 6.7 assists over his last three contests. Lamar’s La’Quince York nearly had a double-double Wednesday with nine points and 10 rebounds.

While North Platte holds the superior overall record, both teams have found recent success in region play. The Knights’ current win streak includes three Region IX victories. Lamar’s two-game streak followed a narrow 84-83 road loss at Northeastern (Colo.).

Defense will be a key factor. North Platte has held opponents to 74 points or fewer during its streak. Lamar’s offense, which has averaged 87.5 points in its last two outings, will test that defensive consistency.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They are scheduled to play again in North Platte, Nebraska, on Feb. 7.

Saturday’s game is set for a 4 p.m. MST tipoff at the LCC Wellness Center.