HIGHLAND, Ill. (Interstat) — The Highland (Ill.) Cougars will look to sweep the season series when they host the struggling Harry S Truman Falcons in a men’s junior college basketball game Tuesday night.

Highland (7-11) defeated Truman 75-58 in the teams’ first meeting on Nov. 20. The Cougars enter on a two-game skid, including a 92-64 road loss to Kankakee on Saturday. Their season has been marked by narrow outcomes; they edged Sauk Valley 92-91 on Jan. 15 and Richard J Daley 86-85 on Jan. 10, but have struggled for consistency.

The Falcons (1-11) are mired in a nine-game losing streak since their sole victory on Dec. 16. They are coming off a 94-84 home loss to Malcolm X last Thursday, a game that typified their defensive difficulties. Truman has allowed an average of 84.2 points per game during its current slide.

This matchup presents a critical opportunity for both teams. Highland aims to stabilize its record and build momentum before a tough stretch in February that includes games against Kankakee and Malcolm X. For Truman, the game is a chance to break its prolonged slump and find a spark on the road.

Key for the Cougars will be containing Truman’s offense, which showed signs of life in the loss to Malcolm X. Highland’s ability to force turnovers and convert in transition will be pivotal. The Falcons must improve their defensive focus and rebounding to compete; they were outscored by 17 in the second half of the November meeting.

The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tipoff at Highland’s home court. Following this contest, Highland will host Triton on Thursday, while Truman’s next game is at Triton on Saturday.