Preview: Howard (Tex.) Hawks at Midland Chaparrals

MIDLAND, Texas (Interstat) — Two of the nation’s top junior college men’s basketball teams will collide Monday when the Midland Chaparrals host the Howard (Tex.) Hawks at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center.

Both teams enter with 17-win seasons, setting the stage for a pivotal regional showdown. Midland (17-2) looks to rebound from a rare stumble, a 74-89 road loss at Western Texas on Jan. 29. Howard (17-3) arrives on a hot streak, having won five of its last six, including a 91-83 victory over South Plains on Thursday.

The matchup features a compelling battle in the frontcourt. Howard’s Kuai Deng has been a consistent force, averaging a double-double over his last three games. The forward posted 18 points and seven rebounds in the win over South Plains, following a 16-point, 10-rebound performance against Clarendon.

Midland will counter with guard Yeison Liberato, who logged 39 minutes and scored 18 points in the Chaparrals’ recent loss. Liberato has shown scoring versatility, dropping 19 points in a win over South Plains earlier this month.

Howard’s attack is multifaceted. In the win over South Plains, Victor Yimga Moukouri recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Brandon Ivery added 17 points and eight boards.

Midland’s offense, which averages over 85 points per game, will test a Howard defense that has held opponents under 65 points in three of its last six contests. The Chaparrals’ only other loss this season was a 62-72 home defeat to New Mexico Military Institute on Jan. 19.

This contest is the first of a regular-season home-and-home series. The teams will meet again in Big Spring on March 5.

Monday’s winner will seize sole possession of first place in the conference standings and gain crucial momentum for the postseason push.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. CST.