MURRAY, Okla. (Interstat) — A tight conference race and a recent nail-biter set the stage for Thursday’s men’s junior college basketball showdown between Seminole State and Murray State.

The Aggies (12-5) host the Trojans (9-6) at Murray State’s home court, looking to sweep the season series after a 72-69 road victory on Jan. 5. That game, decided by a single possession, adds a layer of anticipation to the rematch.

Murray State enters on a high note, coming off a 94-83 road win at Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa on Monday. The Aggies’ offense is powered by guard Haki Muhammad ii, who erupted for 34 points in that victory. It was his third 25-point performance in the last five games, establishing him as a consistent scoring threat.

Seminole State, however, arrives with momentum of its own. The Trojans have won three straight, including an 84-76 victory at Eastern Oklahoma State on Monday and a 90-65 rout of Redlands on Jan. 31. In that Redlands game, forward Dylan Golightly paced the Trojans with 18 points and eight rebounds, showcasing the balanced attack Seminole State will need.

The Aggies’ record suggests a slight edge, but the Trojans’ current form and the memory of their narrow loss last month indicate a highly competitive contest. Both teams feature potent scorers, with Muhammad’s explosive output for Murray State facing a Seminole State defense that has held opponents to an average of 71 points during its winning streak.

Beyond the star players, the game carries weight in the regional standings. A win for Murray State would solidify its position, while a road victory for Seminole State would avenge the earlier loss and signal a shift in the conference hierarchy.

Tip-off is set for Thursday night. The Trojans’ next game is at home against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Monday, Feb. 9. The Aggies travel to face Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Saturday, Feb. 7.