Preview: Walters State Visits Pellissippi State in Conference Clash

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (Interstat) — The nation’s top-ranked junior college men’s basketball team hits the road Wednesday as the Walters State Senators, riding a 10-game win streak, face the Pellissippi State Panthers.

The game, set for Feb. 18, 2026, pits a powerhouse against a struggling squad in a Tennessee Community College Athletic Association matchup. Walters State (17-1, 10-1 TCCAA) has dominated its schedule, its lone loss a two-point setback at Motlow State on Jan. 14. Pellissippi State (5-15, 3-8) seeks an upset to salvage a difficult season.

The Senators, averaging 93.2 points per game, are led by guard Da’Mori Lytch. He is coming off an efficient 16-point performance in just 17 minutes during a 106-56 rout of Dyersburg State on Saturday. In that game, Taquez Butler added 14 points and six rebounds, while Jayden Nesbitt contributed 10 points and two blocks.

For the Panthers, forward Raza Majid will be a player to watch. His playing time has varied, but he recorded four points, three rebounds and a block in a Jan. 22 win over Dyersburg State.

The teams met earlier this season on Jan. 7, with Walters State delivering a 110-59 drubbing of Pellissippi State at home. The Senators have won those contests by an average margin of 38.5 points over the last two seasons.

Pellissippi State’s most recent outing was a narrow 77-75 road loss to Roane State on Feb. 11. Walters State’s high-octane offense has scored 99 or more points in six of its last ten games.

Despite the stark contrast in records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a highly unusual 100-100 tie, suggesting a potential for a high-scoring affair.

Following this game, Walters State will host Columbia State on Saturday. Pellissippi State travels to face Volunteer State the same day.