Preview: Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters at Central Arizona Vaqueros

COOLIDGE, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters look to continue their recent surge when they visit the Central Arizona Vaqueros in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Saturday.

Eastern Arizona (13-8) has won five of its last six games, including a dominant 85-55 road victory over Yavapai on Wednesday. The Gila Monsters routed Central Arizona 101-78 in Thatcher just over two weeks ago on Jan. 14.

A key figure in that win, and Eastern Arizona’s recent success, is forward Kahu Treacher. He scored 16 points in just 17 minutes against the Vaqueros earlier this month. Treacher is averaging 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds over his last five full games, including a 23-point, 7-rebound performance in an overtime win at Arizona Western on Jan. 24.

Central Arizona (7-11) seeks to halt a two-game skid and gain a measure of revenge on its home floor. The Vaqueros are coming off a 108-98 home loss to Arizona Western on Wednesday, despite a 27-point effort from Brayden Gant.

Forward Luke Leatherwood has been a consistent contributor for Central Arizona. He posted 13 points and five rebounds in the previous meeting with Eastern Arizona and is averaging 12.7 points and 7.2 rebounds over his last six contests. His versatility was on display in a narrow loss to Cochise on Jan. 21, where he recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

Eastern Arizona’s offense has been potent during its hot streak, scoring 94 points or more in three of its last four wins. Central Arizona’s defense, which has allowed an average of 99 points in its last two losses, will need significant improvement to contain the Gila Monsters’ attack.

The game tips off at 4 p.m. MST at the George Young Activity Center. It is the second of three regular-season meetings between the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference rivals, with the final matchup scheduled for Feb. 18 in Thatcher.