LA JUNTA, Colo. (Interstat) — Two junior college men’s basketball teams on divergent paths will meet Saturday when the Lamar Runnin’ Lopes visit the Otero Rattlers.

Lamar (8-11) enters on a season-best four-game winning streak, including an 81-73 victory over Trinidad State on Wednesday. Otero (2-14) snapped a five-game skid with an 84-82 win over Western Nebraska last Saturday, marking just its second victory of the season.

The Runnin’ Lopes are powered by guard Gavin Dabney, who has been instrumental during the win streak. He is averaging 21 points per game over the last four contests, including a 33-point, 8-rebound performance in a win over North Platte on Jan. 24. In the most recent game, Dabney scored 23 points, while teammates RJ Foreman (12 points, 11 rebounds) and La’Quince York (14 points, 6 rebounds) provided crucial support.

Conversely, the Rattlers have struggled to find consistent production. Player to watch Marquise Allen has seen limited minutes in recent games, logging just one minute in each of the last two contests. Otero’s win over Western Nebraska was a narrow, high-scoring affair, but the team has conceded 94 points or more in three of its last six losses.

Despite the stark difference in records and recent form, Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring deadlock, predicting a 100-100 final score.

The game will be the first of two meetings between the Region IX rivals this season, with the Rattlers scheduled to visit Lamar on Feb. 21.

Lamar will look to continue its surge above .500 in region play, while Otero aims to build momentum from its rare victory and secure a conference upset at home.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, at Otero College.