LEVELLAND, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal men’s junior college basketball matchup with identical records and recent history tips off Thursday when the Odessa Wranglers visit the South Plains Texans.

Both teams enter the Texan Dome at 15-5 overall. The Wranglers won the previous meeting this season, 97-85 at home on Jan. 5.

Odessa looks to bounce back from a 70-60 home loss to New Mexico on Monday. In that game, sophomore guard Ahmere Carson led the Wranglers with 18 points and seven rebounds. Carson has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 20.3 points over his last six contests, including a 29-point performance against Howard (Tex.) on Jan. 22.

South Plains arrives with momentum after an 81-57 rout of Clarendon on Monday. Sophomore guard Zion Pipkin paced that victory with 17 points. Pipkin has been a key facilitator and scorer for the Texans, averaging 14.0 points and 4.0 assists over his last four games.

The Texans’ backcourt, featuring Pipkin and Keith Richard (11 points, six assists vs. Clarendon), will challenge Odessa’s perimeter defense. The Wranglers counter with Carson and Jaiden Reynolds, who added 12 points and six rebounds in the recent loss.

Beyond the star guards, depth will be critical. South Plains’ Deion Ware (13 points, six rebounds Monday) provides an interior presence, while Odessa will need production from players like Lawrence Mitchell.

With the conference standings tightened and a month remaining in the regular season, Thursday’s contest carries significant weight. The winner gains a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker and early control in the race for postseason positioning.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. CST at the Texan Dome.