Preview: Columbia State Chargers at Southwest Tennessee Salquis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Wednesday night when the surging Columbia State Chargers visit the struggling Southwest Tennessee Salquis in a men’s junior college basketball matchup.

The Chargers (13-4) enter riding a wave of dominant performances, having won five of their last six games by an average margin of 26.2 points. Their only recent setback was a narrow 57-61 road loss to Walters State on Feb. 21. In that game, guard Taveon Comage was electric, pouring in 21 points in just one minute of action, according to available statistics. He also added four rebounds and three assists. Comage figures to be the primary offensive catalyst for a Columbia State team that has been consistently high-scoring.

Southwest Tennessee (2-13) seeks to halt a frustrating skid, having lost nine of its last ten contests. The Salquis have been competitive, however, with four of those losses coming by five points or fewer, including a heartbreaking 72-73 home loss to Dyersburg State on Feb. 18. Their hopes will rest heavily on forward Abdoul Sacko, who has emerged as a defensive force. Sacko averaged 8.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks over a recent four-game stretch, highlighted by an eight-block performance in a win over Motlow State on Feb. 14.

The teams met earlier this season in Columbia on Jan. 14, with the Chargers cruising to a 91-70 victory. Replicating that result would align with the season trajectories of both squads. Columbia State’s balanced attack, featuring contributors like Tyren Fisher and Kenny Ellis, will test a Southwest Tennessee defense that allows 77.9 points per game.

For the Salquis, containing Comage and finding consistent scoring beyond Sacko and Kody Hickerson (12 points, 7 rebounds in last outing) are imperative to pull an upset. The Chargers aim to avoid a letdown after their loss to Walters State and maintain their position near the top of the conference standings.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Memphis.