GALLATIN, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Volunteer State Pioneers host the Pellissippi State Panthers.

The game tips off at 4 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2026, at Volunteer State’s campus.

Both teams enter on losing streaks. The visiting Panthers (5-16) are reeling from a 99-55 home loss to Walters State on Wednesday. The Pioneers (6-11) fell 91-63 to Columbia State on Monday.

Despite their records, a closely contested game is anticipated. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 100-100 final score. The teams’ previous meeting this season supports that expectation, with Pellissippi State earning a 78-68 home win over Volunteer State on Jan. 10.

A player to watch for Volunteer State is Jailen Hardaway. He logged one minute in each of the Pioneers’ last three games, a stretch where they went 2-1 with wins over Southwest Tennessee and Motlow State.

For Pellissippi State, Raza Majid is a player to watch. He played one minute in the Panthers’ recent loss to Walters State.

Since their first matchup, both teams have struggled. Pellissippi State has lost five of six, with the lone win coming against Dyersburg State on Jan. 22. Volunteer State has split its last six games, alternating wins and losses.

Following this game, Volunteer State visits Dyersburg State on Wednesday. Pellissippi State’s next game is at home against Southwest Tennessee on Feb. 28.