TYLER, Texas (Interstat) — A tightly contested men’s junior college basketball season series will be decided Wednesday when the Tyler Apaches host the Paris Dragons.

The two teams, both hovering near the .500 mark, meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Wagstaff Gymnasium. Tyler (8-7) holds a slight edge in the standings over Paris (8-8), but the Dragons won the first meeting 73-70 at home on Dec. 10.

That result adds a layer of urgency for the Apaches, who are looking to even the score and gain ground in the conference race. Both teams are coming off hard-fought road victories last Saturday. Tyler edged Lee 81-78 in double overtime, while Paris defeated Angelina 67-56.

A key matchup will feature two of the region’s top guards. Paris is led by Amari Brown, who is coming off a well-rounded performance of 13 points, three rebounds and four assists in the win over Angelina. He scored 17 points in a loss to Trinity Valley on Jan. 19.

Tyler’s catalyst is Caden Bell, who exploded for 27 points in the double-overtime win at Lee. Bell has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in three of his last four complete games, including 16 points in a win over Lee on Jan. 17.

For Paris, support for Brown against Angelina came from Samuel Johnson (11 points, five rebounds) and Chazz Dubois (six points, six rebounds). Tyler’s win at Lee was a collective effort, with Chris Uwayo Jr. adding 21 points and Sabree Scott contributing eight points and six rebounds.

The Apaches have shown a knack for close games, with three of their last five victories coming by four points or fewer or in overtime. The Dragons have been inconsistent, following a three-game skid with their decisive win last weekend.

Wednesday’s winner will secure the head-to-head tiebreaker and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.