Preview: Barton Cougars at Colby Trojans

COLBY, Kan. (Interstat) — A surging Barton team looks to continue its climb in the conference standings when it visits struggling Colby in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Wednesday night at the Colby Event Center.

The Cougars (12-7) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 79-68 road victory at Dodge City last Wednesday. The Trojans (3-14), meanwhile, snapped a five-game skid with a 74-69 home win over Seward County on Sunday.

Barton, which won the season’s first meeting 73-70 at home on Nov. 25, is led by forward Noah Williams. He is averaging 20.0 points and 9.2 rebounds over his last five games, including a 33-point, 9-rebound performance in a win over Butler (Kan.) on Jan. 3. In the win at Dodge City, Williams posted 23 points and nine rebounds.

Colby will counter with guard D.J. Cason, who scored 23 points in the upset of Seward County. He has been a bright spot, averaging 16.8 points over his last six contests.

The Cougars’ recent success has been bolstered by balance. In the Dodge City win, Sebastian Muchitsch added 19 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Aris Rodriguez scored 17 points. Barton has averaged 86.3 points during its current win streak.

Colby’s victory over Seward County required a collective effort beyond Cason. Nana Keutcha grabbed 14 rebounds and Aliou Diallo scored 19 points. The Trojans will need a similar defensive intensity to slow down Barton’s offense, as they have allowed 90 or more points in four of their last seven losses.

The game is a critical conference fixture for both teams. Barton aims to solidify its position near the top of the league, while Colby seeks to build momentum from its recent win and climb out of the cellar.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central time Wednesday. Barton travels to face Coffeyville on Saturday, while Colby visits Cowley the same day.