Preview: Gaston Rhinos Host Wake Tech Eagles in Junior College Men’s Basketball

GASTONIA, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging Gaston College looks to continue its dominant season when it hosts a struggling Wake Tech team in a men’s junior college basketball game Thursday at Ashbrook High School.

The Rhinos (12-2) enter the contest having won seven of their last eight games, including a 104-91 victory over USC Salkehatchie on Monday. They boast one of the region’s most formidable frontcourts, anchored by forward Ryan Evans. The standout is averaging a double-double over his last five games, including a 14-point, 15-rebound performance in the recent win. Evans also posted 13 points and 12 rebounds in Gaston’s 86-73 win at Wake Tech on Jan. 30.

Gaston’s offense has been potent, scoring 100 or more points in three of its last five outings. Guard E.J. Joyner, who had 21 points and nine assists Monday, provides a dynamic backcourt complement to Evans’ interior presence.

Wake Tech (6-9) seeks to halt a two-game skid and reverse its fortunes against the conference frontrunner. The Eagles are coming off a 103-85 road loss to USC Salkehatchie on Feb. 14. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, with a mix of tight losses and impressive wins, including a 96-86 double-overtime victory at Richard Bland in December and a 78-68 win over Cape Fear in January.

The Eagles will need to find an answer for Evans and improve their defensive cohesion to challenge the Rhinos on the road. In the January meeting, Gaston controlled the paint and outscored Wake Tech in the second half to pull away.

The game is a quick turnaround for both teams. Gaston will host Cape Fear on Saturday, while Wake Tech travels to Denmark Tech on Feb. 28.

Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday night at Ashbrook High School.