Preview: Eastern Arizona at Southern Nevada Men’s Basketball

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters, riding a six-game winning streak, visit the struggling Southern Nevada Coyotes in a men’s junior college basketball matchup on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Eastern Arizona (15-8) enters in dominant form, averaging 90.5 points during its streak. The Gila Monsters crushed Cochise 81-55 on Wednesday, led by forward Ryan Hunt’s 22 points and 17 rebounds. Hunt has been a force, posting four consecutive double-doubles and averaging 26.3 points and 15.3 rebounds over his last three contests. He scored 33 points in a 96-74 win over Southern Nevada on Jan. 21.

Southern Nevada (6-9) looks to halt a five-game skid, most recently a 93-73 home loss to Arizona Western. Guard Gerald Patterson, who scored 24 points in that defeat, is the Coyotes’ key offensive threat. He averages 15.1 points per game but was held to nine points in the previous meeting with Eastern Arizona.

The Coyotes’ defense, allowing 81.9 points per game, faces a stern test against the high-scoring Gila Monsters. Southern Nevada’s last win was an 80-64 victory over Yavapai on Jan. 14.

Saturday’s game is the second of three scheduled meetings this season. The teams will meet again in Thatcher, Arizona, on Feb. 25.

Key Matchup: Eastern Arizona’s Ryan Hunt vs. Southern Nevada’s interior defense. Hunt’s recent rebounding prowess, including a 21-board performance on Jan. 31, could give the Gila Monsters significant second-chance opportunities.

The Bottom Line: Eastern Arizona, with superior record and momentum, is the clear favorite. Southern Nevada must find an answer for Hunt and improve its defensive consistency to have a chance at a home upset.