HOLMES, Miss. (Interstat) — A surging Holmes squad looks to continue its dominant season when it hosts a struggling Hinds team in a men’s junior college basketball matchup on Thursday, Feb. 5.

The Holmes Bulldogs (12-3) enter as heavy favorites, boasting a record twice as strong as the visiting Hinds Eagles (6-8). The teams met earlier this season, with Holmes escaping Hinds with a 92-84 overtime victory on Dec. 5.

Holmes has been led by a consistent frontcourt presence in Jhamien Smith. The forward is coming off a 13-point, 7-rebound performance in a 60-55 road win at Meridian on Jan. 31. Over his last six games, Smith has averaged 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, including a 20-point outing in a loss to Jones.

Hinds, meanwhile, snapped a three-game skid in dramatic fashion its last time out, edging East Mississippi 97-94 in overtime on Monday. The Eagles will need a similar effort to challenge the Bulldogs on the road.

A key player to watch for Hinds is guard Terrance Clark. He showcased his high-scoring ability with a 29-point, 9-reburst effort in a loss at Jones on Jan. 12. However, his playing time has fluctuated, logging just one minute in a subsequent game on Jan. 22.

Holmes has proven formidable at home this season, with notable victories over Pearl River and Northwest Mississippi in January. Hinds has found wins harder to come by away from home, with a 1-3 record in its last four road contests.

The Bulldogs will aim to control the paint behind Smith and David Washington, who nearly posted a double-double against Meridian with 10 points and nine rebounds. Hinds will rely on Clark’s offensive burst and hope to replicate the resilience that pushed Holmes to overtime in their first meeting.

Following this contest, Holmes travels to face Mississippi Gulf Coast on Feb. 9, while Hinds prepares to host Itawamba on the same date.