Preview: Casper Thunderbirds at Gillette Pronghorns

GILLETTE, Wyo. (Interstat) — A pair of Wyoming junior college men’s basketball teams heading in opposite directions will meet Wednesday when the Gillette Pronghorns host the Casper Thunderbirds.

Gillette (11-9) has won three of its last four games, including a hard-fought 82-73 victory over Western Wyoming on Saturday. The Pronghorns are 7-3 at home this season.

Casper (8-14) has shown recent life, winning two straight games after a five-game skid. The Thunderbirds defeated Central Wyoming 75-66 on Saturday.

The matchup features two of the region’s top scorers. Gillette will rely on guard Rashad McCormick, who is coming off a dominant 30-point, 7-rebound performance against Western Wyoming. He has been a consistent offensive catalyst for the Pronghorns.

For Casper, forward Nasir Washington has been on a tear, averaging 24.3 points over his last three contests. He exploded for 33 points and six rebounds in the win over Central Wyoming. Support comes from Aaron Sievert, who dished out eight assists in that same game.

The teams’ recent results highlight their contrasting styles. Gillette has been in several tight, low-scoring defensive battles, including two overtime wins in its last four games. Casper has been involved in higher-scoring affairs, but its defense has been inconsistent, allowing 85 points or more in six losses this season.

This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the rivals. They will meet again in Casper on Feb. 28.

Wednesday’s winner will gain momentum for the final stretch of the Region IX schedule. Gillette aims to solidify its position above .500, while Casper seeks to build its first three-game winning streak of the season.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Pronghorn Center.