Preview: Lincoln Trail Statesmen at Southwestern Illinois Blue Storm

GRANITE CITY, Ill. (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Lincoln Trail Statesmen visit the Southwestern Illinois Blue Storm.

The non-conference matchup at Southwestern Illinois College features teams with similar recent trajectories. Lincoln Trail (7-8 overall) enters on a two-game winning streak, while Southwestern Illinois (6-13) snapped a three-game skid in its last outing.

The Statesmen are coming off an 80-55 rout of Shawnee on Saturday. Guard Jared Jackson led the way with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, continuing his strong play. Jaylen Ellis added seven points and 11 rebounds, and Asher Evans scored 19 points.

The Blue Storm countered with a 67-53 victory over Lake Land, also on Saturday. Forward Matthew Curprew-Elsy dominated inside, posting 24 points and 12 rebounds. Zach Chambers contributed 14 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks, and Dylan Craven dished out six assists.

Wednesday’s game is a quick rematch of a Jan. 21 contest, which Lincoln Trail won 73-69 at home. In that game, the Statesmen overcame a 35-30 halftime deficit.

Jackson is the focal point for Lincoln Trail’s offense. Curprew-Elsy anchors Southwestern Illinois, providing a major interior presence on both ends.

Despite the Blue Storm’s sub-.500 record, they have shown resilience with recent overtime and close victories. Lincoln Trail has been inconsistent but potent when its backcourt, led by Jackson, is effective.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring 100-100 draw, suggesting a potentially volatile offensive battle.

For Lincoln Trail, this begins a two-game road swing before hosting John A Logan on Feb. 28. Southwestern Illinois plays its next three on the road, traveling to Olney Central on Saturday and Vincennes on March 3.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CST.