Preview: Casper Thunderbirds at Eastern Wyoming Lancers

TORRINGTON, Wyo. (Interstat) — Two Wyoming junior college men’s basketball teams heading in opposite directions will meet Wednesday when the Casper College Thunderbirds visit the Eastern Wyoming College Lancers.

The Thunderbirds (10-14) enter on a four-game winning streak, their longest of the season. The Lancers (6-20), meanwhile, have lost eight of their last ten and are looking to halt a recent slide.

Casper has found momentum behind forward Channing Cade, who is averaging a double-double during the win streak. He posted 20 points and 14 rebounds in a 90-82 victory over Western Wyoming on Feb. 14. In the teams’ first meeting this season, an 82-68 Casper win on Jan. 31, Cade recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Eastern Wyoming will counter with guard Isiah Ayala, who has been a bright spot. Ayala is coming off a 19-point performance in a loss to Central Wyoming on Feb. 14 and tallied a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) in an overtime win over Laramie County on Feb. 11. His role has expanded significantly since playing just one minute in the January loss to Casper.

The Lancers will need Ayala’s production to combat a surging Casper offense that has averaged 82.5 points during its current streak. Eastern Wyoming’s defense has struggled, allowing 91.3 points per game over its last three contests.

For Casper, maintaining its recent defensive intensity will be key. The Thunderbirds have held opponents to 76 points or fewer in three of the four wins during their streak.

Wednesday’s matchup is the second of the regular season between the Region IX rivals. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Verl Petsch Jr. Activities Center.