Preview: South Plains Visits Howard in Key JUCO Showdown

BIG SPRING, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal men’s junior college basketball matchup in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference is set for Thursday when the South Plains Texans visit the Howard (Texas) Hawks at Dorothy Garrett Coliseum.

The Hawks (15-3, 3-1 WJCAC) look to rebound from a rare conference loss, while the Texans (13-4, 3-1) aim to build on a three-game winning streak. Howard fell 65-59 at Odessa on Jan. 22, a game where Kuai Deng posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. South Plains last played on Jan. 19, defeating New Mexico 87-82.

Howard’s strength has been a stifling defense, holding opponents to an average of 58.2 points in its three conference wins. Deng, a versatile forward, anchors that effort, averaging 10.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in WJCAC play.

South Plains counters with a high-powered offense led by guard Antallah Sandlin’el. He is averaging 19.3 points over his last four games, including a 23-point performance in the win over New Mexico. Alexandre K’Medehouto and Zion Pipkin provide additional scoring punch, each reaching double figures in the same victory.

The Texans’ conference loss was a 105-84 road defeat to Midland on Jan. 8, while Howard’s lone league blemish came against Odessa. Both teams feature balanced attacks, but the stylistic clash between Howard’s defensive rigor and South Plains’ offensive firepower will be decisive.

This contest begins a critical home stretch for both programs. The rematch is scheduled for March 2 in Levelland. Thursday’s winner will gain a crucial advantage in the conference standings and national ranking trajectory.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. CST.