Preview: Casper Thunderbirds at Laramie County Golden Eagles

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Interstat) — The Laramie County Community College Golden Eagles will look to complete a regular-season sweep and solidify their position above .500 when they host the Casper College Thunderbirds in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Wednesday night.

The Golden Eagles (11-9) enter with momentum, having won three of their last four games, including a 76-67 road victory at Western Wyoming on Saturday. They previously handled the Thunderbirds convincingly, winning 88-70 in Casper on Jan. 17.

Laramie County’s balance has been key. In the first meeting, Brevin Phillips led a dominant rebounding effort with nine points and eight boards. He is coming off a strong 17-point, 9-rebound performance against Western Wyoming. Anthony Nettles (15 points) and TJ Coulter (27 points) also provided significant scoring in that win.

The visiting Thunderbirds (6-14) aim to halt a skid that has seen them lose 14 of their last 16 games. Their most recent outing, however, was a bright spot: an 82-68 home win over Eastern Wyoming on Saturday. Casper will need a similar effort to challenge the Golden Eagles on the road.

A primary catalyst for Casper is guard Zaire Richardson, who is coming off perhaps his best game of the season. He posted 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the win over Eastern Wyoming. Richardson also scored 18 points in the Jan. 17 loss to Laramie County. His backcourt play will be critical for the Thunderbirds’ chances.

Supporting Richardson in the recent win were Buai Luak (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Channing Cade (13 points, 10 rebounds), giving Casper a rare trio of double-double performances.

The Golden Eagles have shown more consistency this season and will be favored at home. A win would strengthen their playoff positioning, while the Thunderbirds seek to build on their latest victory and gain a measure of revenge for January’s lopsided defeat.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time.