Preview: Roane State Raiders at Columbia State Chargers

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in momentum will be on display Saturday when the surging Columbia State Chargers host the inconsistent Roane State Raiders in a men’s junior college basketball matchup.

The Chargers (11-3) enter as one of the region’s hottest teams, having won their last three games by an average margin of 29 points. Their most recent outing was an 85-58 road rout of Dyersburg State on Wednesday, fueled by a dominant defensive performance from Nate Malosa. The standout forward recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and a staggering seven blocked shots.

Columbia State’s defense, anchored by Malosa, will be tested by Roane State’s Adonai Mussie. The Raiders’ key player is coming off a strong performance in a 77-75 home win over Pellissippi State on Wednesday, posting 17 points and nine rebounds. Roane State (9-8) has shown flashes but struggles with consistency, following a win with a 32-point loss to Motlow State just three games ago.

The previous meeting this season heavily favors the Chargers. On Dec. 6, Columbia State handled Roane State 76-61 on the Raiders’ home floor. The Chargers have used that victory as part of a current six-game winning streak.

Despite Columbia State’s clear advantages in record, recent form and the head-to-head result, a statistical projection adds intrigue. Interstat’s game simulator forecasts a 100-100 tie, though its ELO rating system simultaneously gives Columbia State an 82.8% probability to win.

For Roane State to defy the odds, they will need more secondary scoring behind Mussie. Jason Robinson and Jordan Hamilton provided support in the last game, combining for 19 points and 15 assists. Containing Malosa’s paint presence and the complementary scoring of Jamison Glass (16 points, 10 rebounds vs. Dyersburg) will be the Raiders’ primary defensive challenge.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. Columbia State looks to continue its march toward the postseason, while Roane State aims to build on its latest win and secure a statement victory on the road.