RIVERTON, Wyo. (Interstat) — The Gillette College Pronghorns and Central Wyoming College Rustlers will meet for the second time this season in a Region IX North men’s junior college basketball matchup Wednesday night.

The Pronghorns (9-9) edged the Rustlers (5-10) 64-58 in overtime in Gillette on Jan. 17. Wednesday’s rematch at Central Wyoming’s home court offers the Rustlers a chance for redemption and the Pronghorns an opportunity to sweep the season series.

Gillette arrives after a difficult 93-63 road loss to Laramie County on Jan. 28. In that game, forward Aly Tapo posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, adding four blocked shots. Tapo’s production has fluctuated, but his defensive presence and rebounding will be key against Central Wyoming’s interior players.

The Rustlers enter with momentum from a 79-69 home victory over Northwest College on Jan. 31. Standout guard Daniel Smith powered that win with a dominant performance of 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Smith has been consistently prolific, averaging over 20 points per game in his last five contests. He scored 24 in the first meeting against Gillette and will be the focal point of the Rustlers’ offense.

Central Wyoming’s recent home win snapped a three-game skid. Gillette has lost three of its last four, with the lone win in that stretch being the overtime decision against these same Rustlers.

The game will feature a contrast in recent trends. Gillette seeks to regain consistency and improve its .500 record, while Central Wyoming aims to build on its latest performance and climb back into the regional picture. Containing Daniel Smith will be the primary defensive task for the Pronghorns, while the Rustlers must find an answer for Gillette’s balance, which included four players scoring in double figures in the January matchup.

Tipoff is scheduled for Wednesday night in Riverton.