Preview: Wallace State Lions at Shelton State Buccaneers

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — A key men’s junior college basketball rematch is set for Monday when the Shelton State Buccaneers host the Wallace State Lions.

The Buccaneers (15-6) enter with a superior record and the momentum of a decisive 101-80 victory over the Lions just two weeks ago on Feb. 9. Shelton State is coming off a 93-78 home win over Bishop State on Thursday, powered by a 25-point performance from Rodwick Jackson.

Jackson, a player to watch for the Buccaneers, has been a consistent scoring threat. In his last six games, he is averaging 12.2 points, including explosive outings of 25 and 13 points. His versatility was on full display in the Jan. 29 win over Southern Union State, where he recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Wallace State (12-10) seeks redemption and a season split after its recent loss to Shelton State. The Lions snapped a two-game skid with a 93-89 road win at Southern Union State on Thursday. Their success often hinges on the play of guard Trey Knight.

Knight, the Lions’ floor general, is a focal point. He struggled with 11 points in the first meeting against Shelton State but has been a steady distributor, tallying seven assists in three of his last six contests. He is coming off a 14-point, 6-rebound, 7-assist effort in an 89-87 win over Gadsden State on Feb. 16.

The Buccaneers’ defense, which held Wallace State to 80 points in the prior matchup, will be tested by Knight’s playmaking. Shelton State’s frontcourt, featuring Fredrick Derrick and shot-blocker Shah Hall (9 blocks vs. Bishop State), provides a significant interior challenge.

For Wallace State, reversing the result will require improved offensive efficiency and containing Jackson’s scoring bursts. The Lions have shown resilience with several close wins, including an overtime victory at Bishop State on Jan. 15.

Tipoff is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at Shelton State. The Buccaneers look to solidify their standing, while the Lions aim to prove the previous result was an aberration and bolster their own playoff positioning.