Preview: Redlands Cougars at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Golden Norseman

MIAMI, Okla. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking consistency will meet Monday when the Redlands Cougars visit the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Golden Norseman.

The non-conference matchup, set for Feb. 16, 2026, features teams with sub-.500 records. Redlands enters at 5-8 overall, while Northeastern Oklahoma A&M sits at 7-13.

The Golden Norseman will look to replicate their dominant performance from the last meeting, a 100-67 road victory over the Cougars on Jan. 15. That result is part of a recent uneven stretch for both squads.

Redlands is coming off a 79-74 home loss to Murray State (Okla.) on Thursday. In that game, guard Cristian McElveen scored 21 points. McElveen has been a standout for the Cougars, averaging 21 points over his last three contests. He recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 103-97 loss to Connors State on Feb. 5.

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M snapped a three-game skid with a 78-67 home win over Northern Oklahoma-Enid on Thursday. Forward Justin McCarter led the way with 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. McCarter has been a key scorer for the Golden Norseman, including a 26-point, 10-rebound effort in a win over Connors State on Jan. 19.

The Cougars’ recent results have been a mix of narrow wins and high-scoring defeats. Following their loss to Murray State, they secured a 76-72 road win at Eastern Oklahoma State on Feb. 9.

The Golden Norseman’s recent losses include a 76-73 defeat at Seminole State (Okla.) and a 90-88 home loss to Murray State (Okla.), indicating an ability to play close games.

Monday’s contest will hinge on which team can establish defensive control. Redlands will rely on McElveen’s all-around play to challenge a Northeastern Oklahoma A&M squad that has shown offensive firepower, especially at home. Containing McCarter in the paint will be a primary focus for the visiting Cougars.

Following this game, Redlands will travel to face Western Oklahoma State on Feb. 19. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M will visit Connors State on the same date.