Preview: Shelton State at Gadsden State Men’s Basketball

GADSDEN, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Shelton State men’s basketball team will look to continue its winning ways when it visits Gadsden State in a junior college matchup Monday night.

The Buccaneers (11-4) enter on a three-game win streak, most recently defeating Southern Union State 65-58 on Thursday. Shelton State has won five of its last six games, with the only loss in that span a narrow 88-85 defeat at Lawson State.

Gadsden State (5-5) seeks consistency after a high-scoring 111-92 road loss to Bishop State last Thursday. The Cardinals have alternated wins and losses over their past five contests.

A key matchup will feature Shelton State’s Rodwick Jackson against Gadsden State’s Julien Barnett. Jackson is coming off a dominant performance, posting 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in just 17 minutes against Southern Union State. Over his last three games, he has averaged 9.3 points and 5.7 rebounds.

Barnett has been a volume scorer for the Cardinals, erupting for 34 points and nine rebounds in 40 minutes during the loss to Bishop State. His scoring punch will be vital for a Gadsden State offense that allowed 111 points in its last outing.

Shelton State’s recent success has been built on balance and defense. In the win over Southern Union, Bryant Aijero grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked four shots, while Shah Hall added 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks. The Buccaneers have held opponents to an average of 74.3 points during their three-game streak.

Gadsden State will need to tighten its defense after Bishop State shot 54% from the field. Jaedin Reyna (20 points vs. Bishop State) and Julius Winston (12 points) provide secondary scoring options behind Barnett.

This game is the first of a regular-season home-and-home series between the teams. They are scheduled to meet again at Shelton State on March 2.

Tip-off is set for Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.