Preview: Colorado Northwestern at Utah State Eastern Men’s Basketball

PRICE, Utah (Interstat) — The Utah State Eastern Eagles, riding a strong season, will look to sweep the season series when they host the struggling Colorado Northwestern Spartans in a men’s junior college basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

The Eagles (17-7) have dominated the recent matchups, including an 85-62 victory in Rangely, Colorado, on Feb. 5. In that game, Utah State Eastern’s Ike Palmer scored 20 points in just 23 minutes, while Colorado Northwestern’s Jordan Jones led all scorers with 25. The Eagles also won the prior meeting 74-61 on Jan. 6.

Utah State Eastern enters following a 64-84 road loss to Snow on Feb. 12, which snapped a two-game win streak. Palmer, a consistent offensive threat, posted 13 points, six rebounds and four assists in that contest. He is averaging 17.5 points over his last four games.

Conversely, Colorado Northwestern (3-21) seeks to end a 10-game losing skid. Their last outing was a 70-80 home loss to North Idaho on Feb. 14. The Spartans have shown fight in narrow defeats, falling by two points to Southern Idaho on Feb. 12.

Jones has been a bright spot during the difficult stretch, averaging 20.1 points per game over his last seven contests. He scored 25 against the Eagles earlier this month and is coming off a 20-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance.

The Eagles have established themselves as a defensive force, holding opponents under 70 points in six of their 17 wins. The Spartans, who have conceded 85 or more points in eight of their losses, will need a significant defensive improvement to challenge on the road.

Following this game, Utah State Eastern will host Salt Lake on Saturday, Feb. 21. Colorado Northwestern travels to face Snow on Feb. 21.

Tipoff is set for Thursday night at the BDAC.