STERLING, Colo. (Interstat) — A tight conference rematch is set for Thursday when the Northeastern Junior College Plainsmen host the Trinidad State Trojans in a Region IX South men’s junior college basketball game.

The Plainsmen (10-6) will be looking for revenge after a narrow 71-70 road loss to the Trojans on Jan. 24. That result is part of a recent uneven stretch for Northeastern, which has gone 3-2 in its last five games, including a 78-77 home win over McCook last Saturday.

Trinidad State (9-13) enters with momentum from a 76-74 victory over Southeast on Jan. 31, but has struggled for consistency, posting a 4-6 record in its last 10 contests.

A key matchup will feature two of the region’s top performers. Trinidad State will rely on forward Demorae Pritchett, who is coming off a strong 12-point, 9-rebound effort against Southeast and averaged 14.3 points over his last six full games. He scored 9 points with 6 rebounds in the first meeting against Northeastern.

The Plainsmen counter with guard Quis Davis, who is playing at an elite level. Davis is averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists over his last five full contests. He scored 22 points with 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the win over McCook and had 15 points and 5 rebounds in the earlier loss to Trinidad State.

Northeastern holds the superior overall record and home-court advantage, but the Trojans have proven they can win close games, as evidenced by their three victories by three points or fewer since Jan. 9. The Plainsmen’s last three games have all been decided by four points or less, setting the stage for another tense finish.

Following this game, Trinidad State visits Otero on Feb. 11. Northeastern travels to face Southeast on the same date.