Preview: Olive-Harvey Panthers at Harry S Truman Falcons

CHICAGO (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Tuesday night when the surging Olive-Harvey College Panthers visit the struggling Harry S Truman College Falcons in a men’s junior college basketball matchup.

The Panthers (16-3) enter on a five-game winning streak and are ranked 12th nationally in the latest NJCAA Division II poll. Their most recent victory was a 75-59 road win at Wilbur Wright on Saturday, powered by a balanced effort. In contrast, the Falcons (3-14) snapped a six-game losing streak with a narrow 73-70 overtime win at Kennedy-King last Thursday, securing just their third victory of the season.

Olive-Harvey, which boasts one of the nation’s top offenses, is led by standout guard Terrence Shannon. The sophomore has been exceptional, averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists over his last four games. He scored 28 points in an overtime win over Kankakee on Feb. 19. Shannon is supported by consistent contributors like Lawrence Etling Jr., who had 19 points against Wilbur Wright, and Isaiah Martinez, who nearly posted a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds in that contest.

The Falcons will aim to build on their recent overtime triumph, which required a comeback from a halftime deficit. Defense has been a season-long challenge for Truman, which has allowed 90 or more points in six of its losses. They will need to contain a Panthers’ attack that averages 82.6 points per game.

History heavily favors Olive-Harvey. In the first meeting this season on Dec. 9, the Panthers dominated for an 81-61 home victory. The Falcons’ last win in the series came during the 2023-24 season.

For Truman, the game represents a prime opportunity to gain momentum and play spoiler against a ranked opponent on their home floor. For Olive-Harvey, it is a chance to solidify its national standing and avoid a letdown before a key Thursday matchup against Richard J. Daley College.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CST at Truman’s gymnasium.