NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (Interstat) — A quick rematch with regional implications is set for Saturday when the North Platte Knights host the Western Nebraska Cougars in a men’s junior college basketball matchup.

The Knights (11-11) narrowly defeated the Cougars (9-19) 84-79 just three weeks ago on Feb. 1 in Scottsbluff. That result will be fresh in the minds of both teams as they meet again at North Platte Community College.

North Platte enters looking to steady itself after a difficult 69-70 road loss to Northeastern (Colo.) on Wednesday. The Knights have lost four of their last five games. Guard Brady Kennison, who torched Western Nebraska for 27 points in the first meeting, remains a focal point. He is coming off a 20-point, 5-assist performance in the midweek defeat.

Western Nebraska arrives with modest momentum, having won two of its last three games, including a 74-65 home victory over McCook on Wednesday. The Cougars are led by guard Kellon Harris, who exploded for 24 points in that win. Harris, averaging 17.4 points over his last five contests, was held to 12 points in the prior loss to North Platte and will be seeking a more impactful performance.

The game presents a contrast in trajectories. The .500 Knights are battling to stay above the break-even mark, while the Cougars are aiming to build late-season momentum and avenge their recent close loss. Kennison’s scoring versatility against Harris’s offensive burst will be a key matchup.

Saturday’s contest is the final regular-season game for Western Nebraska. North Platte will conclude its season with a road trip to Trinidad State and Otero next weekend. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. local time.