HUTCHINSON, Kan. (Interstat) — A surging Barton squad looks to continue its climb in the conference standings when it visits a struggling Hutchinson team in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Wednesday night.

The Barton Cougars (14-8) have won four of their last five games, including an 89-66 rout of Coffeyville on Saturday. The Hutchinson Blue Dragons (8-12), meanwhile, are mired in a six-game losing streak, most recently a 73-57 defeat at Seward County.

Barton’s momentum is fueled by guard Aris Rodriguez, who is averaging 21.3 points over his last seven contests. He erupted for 30 points in 38 minutes in the win over Coffeyville. Sebastian Muchitsch (18 points, nine rebounds) and Majok Chuol (11 points, five rebounds) also provided significant contributions in that victory.

For Hutchinson, guard Anthony Alston will be a key figure as the Blue Dragons seek to snap their skid. Alston is coming off a 17-point, six-assist performance against Seward County. He will need support from teammates like Daleron Thomas and Bobby Cannon, who scored 13 and 14 points, respectively, in the same game.

The teams’ most recent meeting was a defensive battle, with Hutchinson escaping with a 58-57 win at Barton on Dec. 3, 2025. The Cougars will be eager to avenge that narrow loss.

A win would bolster Barton’s position as it prepares for a road test at Pratt on Saturday. Hutchinson aims to right its season before heading to Cowley on Saturday. The Blue Dragons’ last victory was a 93-77 home win over Coffeyville on Jan. 7.

Tipoff is set for Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.