Preview: Motlow State Bucks at Walters State Senators

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Walters State Senators, boasting one of the nation’s premier junior college records, will host the Motlow State Bucks on Wednesday in a key men’s basketball matchup that doubles as the Senators’ Homecoming celebration.

Walters State (19-1) enters the contest riding a wave of dominance, having won nine consecutive games since its only loss of the season — a 68-66 defeat at the hands of these same Motlow State Bucks on Jan. 14. The Senators are averaging 93.1 points per game during their winning streak, which includes several blowout victories. They most recently edged Columbia State 61-57 on Saturday.

Motlow State (10-9), which pulled off the upset in the first meeting, seeks to complete a regular-season sweep. The Bucks have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses in their last five games. They are coming off a 74-71 road win at Chattanooga State on Feb. 18.

A player to watch for the Senators is guard Malaki Brooks, who is coming off a 22-point, 7-assist performance in a 99-55 rout of Pellissippi State on Feb. 18. For the Bucks, forward Sagna Ousseynou will be critical. He recorded a 15-rebound, 8-point game in an 83-51 win over Roane State on Feb. 4 and was a key factor in the first victory over Walters State.

The game presents a stark contrast in season trajectories. Walters State has established itself as a powerhouse, while Motlow State has struggled for consistency. However, the Bucks have proven they can compete with the Senators, making the rematch a compelling threat to the home team’s sterling record.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is a 100-100 tie, suggesting a potential for another high-scoring, tightly contested affair.

Wednesday’s Homecoming showdown tips off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern at Senator Gymnasium.

Up Next: Motlow State hosts Dyersburg State on Saturday. Walters State’s next scheduled game is against an opponent to be determined.