Preview: Missouri State-West Plains Grizzlies at Mineral Area Cardinals

PARK HILLS, Mo. (Interstat) — The Mineral Area College Cardinals look to complete a regular-season sweep and solidify their winning record when they host the struggling Missouri State-West Plains Grizzlies in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday.

Mineral Area (16-9) has won both previous meetings this season, including an 81-75 victory at home on Feb. 4. The Cardinals also secured a 94-74 road win on Jan. 14. They enter Wednesday’s contest coming off a 61-53 road victory over Three Rivers on Saturday, which snapped a three-game losing skid.

The Cardinals are led by guard Lorenzo Shields, who posted 10 points and four assists in the Feb. 4 win over the Grizzlies. Shields is averaging 6.5 points and 3.5 assists over his last four games.

Missouri State-West Plains (3-16) seeks to end a seven-game losing streak. Its last win was on Dec. 7, 2025. The Grizzlies are coming off a 64-56 home loss to State Fair on Saturday, their 13th defeat in the last 14 games.

A bright spot for the Grizzlies has been forward Javon Barbee, who recorded a double-double with eight points and 11 rebounds in the recent loss to State Fair. Shunderrius Glass added a team-high 18 points in that contest.

Mineral Area has consistently performed better in close games, holding a 5-2 record in contests decided by six points or fewer. The Cardinals’ defense will be tested by a Grizzlies team that has shown offensive sparks but has struggled to maintain consistency.

Following this game, Mineral Area will travel to face Moberly Area on Saturday. Missouri State-West Plains will host Three Rivers the same day.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Central Time at the Bob Sechrest Field House.