Preview: Western Nebraska at Lamar, Men’s Junior College Basketball

LAMAR, Colo. (Interstat) — A tight Region IX men’s junior college basketball race continues Wednesday when the Lamar Runnin’ Lopes host the Western Nebraska Cougars.

The matchup at the LCC Wellness Center is a rematch of a Jan. 14 meeting, which Lamar (9-13) won 75-72 on Western Nebraska’s home floor. The Cougars (7-18) will look to avenge that loss and build on their most recent performance, an 87-78 home victory over Otero on Feb. 5.

Western Nebraska is led by guard Viktor Lukic-Gavric, who is coming off a strong all-around game with 15 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the win over Otero. Over his last seven games, he is averaging 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Kellon Harris, who scored 18 points in the last outing, provides additional scoring punch.

Lamar enters with momentum from a decisive 78-59 road win at North Platte on Feb. 7. Forward RJ Foreman powered that victory with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Ahmed Cisse added 17 points and seven boards. Foreman’s interior presence will be a key focus for a Lamar team that has shown offensive firepower, scoring 90 or more points three times in its last ten games.

Both teams have struggled for consistency this season but remain in the conference hunt. Western Nebraska’s recent schedule has been a gauntlet, with six of its last eight games decided by seven points or fewer. Lamar has alternated wins and losses over its last six contests.

Defensive execution will likely decide this rematch. In the January meeting, Lamar held Western Nebraska to 39% shooting from the field. The Cougars must improve their shot selection and limit second-chance opportunities for Foreman and Cisse to flip the result on the road.

Wednesday’s winner will gain a valuable region victory ahead of the final stretch of the regular season.