Preview: Southwestern Illinois at Kaskaskia, Men’s Junior College Basketball

CENTRALIA, Ill. (Interstat) — Two struggling programs seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Southwestern Illinois Blue Storm visit the Kaskaskia Blue Devils in a men’s junior college basketball matchup.

The Blue Storm (2-12) enter with a flicker of confidence after snapping a four-game skid with an 89-80 home victory over Shawnee on Jan. 31. That win, just their second of the season, was powered by a dominant performance from forward Giulio Rigato, who posted 28 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.

Rigato, a clear player to watch, has been a bright spot, averaging 15.7 points and 7.7 rebounds over his last three contests. He will be central to Southwestern Illinois’s effort to secure consecutive wins for the first time this season.

Kaskaskia (3-7) looks to bounce back from a 75-82 road loss to Wabash Valley on Jan. 31. The Blue Devils’ season has been marked by inconsistency, though they showed offensive firepower in a 91-78 win over Olney Central on Jan. 29.

The teams’ most recent meeting provides a blueprint for this contest. On Dec. 13, Southwestern Illinois defeated Kaskaskia 79-70 in Belleville. Replicating that road result will require another strong outing from Rigato and support from guards like Matthew Curprew-Elsy (20 points vs. Shawnee) and Dylan Craven (12 points, six assists).

For Kaskaskia, containing Rigato in the paint and generating offense beyond their season average will be critical. The Blue Devils have lost four of their last six games.

While both teams reside near the bottom of the region’s standings, this rematch offers a chance to build a late-season push. Southwestern Illinois aims to prove its recent win was a turning point, while Kaskaskia hopes home court advantage can help them split the season series.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday night at Kaskaskia College.