Preview: Gaston Rhinos Visit USC Salkehatchie Indians in Key JUCO Clash

ALLENDALE, S.C. (Interstat) — The surging Gaston College Rhinos, ranked in the latest NJCAA Region 10 men’s basketball poll, will put their eight-game winning streak on the line Wednesday night when they visit the USC Salkehatchie Indians.

The Rhinos (14-2, 8-1 Region 10), whose only losses this season came on the road in January, have been dominant during their streak, winning by an average margin of 15.5 points. They are coming off a 118-94 rout of Cape Fear on Saturday.

USC Salkehatchie (10-5, 5-4) aims to defend its home court and avenge a 104-91 loss at Gaston just nine days earlier on Feb. 16. The Indians are coming off a narrow 100-99 home victory over Caldwell Tech on Saturday.

The matchup features a marquee individual battle in the paint, where Gaston’s standout forward Kaleb Siler will look to continue his remarkable run. Siler is averaging a double-double over the last seven games, including a 28-point, 14-rebound performance against Cape Fear. In the first meeting against Salkehatchie this month, Siler recorded 17 points and six rebounds.

Gaston’s balanced attack also features guards Ryan Evans and E.J. Joyner, who combined for 24 points and seven assists in the recent win over Cape Fear.

USC Salkehatchie, which averages over 100 points per game, possesses a high-powered offense capable of testing Gaston’s defense. The Indians scored 142 points in a game earlier this month and are 6-1 at home this season. They will need a stronger defensive effort after allowing Gaston to shoot 54% from the field in the previous meeting.

A win for Gaston would solidify its hold on first place in the region standings, while USC Salkehatchie seeks a signature victory to bolster its postseason positioning.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at the USC Salkehatchie Gymnasium.