SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (Interstat) — A key Region IX men’s junior college basketball rematch is set for Wednesday night when the McCook Indians visit the Western Nebraska Cougars at Cougar Palace.

McCook (13-10) enters with momentum, having won three straight games, including a 75-71 road victory over North Platte on Feb. 11. Western Nebraska (8-19) snapped a four-game skid with an 89-84 win at Southeast on Feb. 14.

The Cougars won the first meeting this season, 87-76, at McCook on Jan. 28. In that game, Western Nebraska’s Amare Jackson recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Jackson remains a player to watch for the Cougars. The guard is coming off a near double-double performance of 16 points and nine rebounds in the win over Southeast.

For McCook, all eyes will be on forward Mo Diao, who is in the midst of a dominant stretch. In the Feb. 11 win over North Platte, Diao posted a rare quadruple-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, 11 blocks and one assist. Over his last three games, he has averaged 11.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.7 blocks.

The Indians have showcased a potent offense during their win streak, averaging 86.3 points per game. Western Nebraska has struggled defensively, allowing 80.2 points per game this season.

Despite the records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a tightly contested affair, predicting a 100-100 final score.

For Western Nebraska, Dorin Nguema (14 rebounds vs. Southeast) and Viktor Lukic-Gavric (15 points) provide key support. McCook counters with scoring threats Djibril Diawara (27 points vs. North Platte) and Nate Coley (21 points vs. North Platte).

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time Wednesday.