Eastern Wyoming vs Gillette
GILLETTE, Wyo. (Interstat) — The Gillette College Pronghorns look to sweep the season series and solidify their position in the regional standings when they host the struggling Eastern Wyoming College Lancers in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday night.
The Pronghorns (11-12 overall) defeated the Lancers (7-21) 100-89 in their first meeting on Jan. 21 in Torrington. Gillette enters having lost three straight, including a 90-80 home loss to Laramie County on Feb. 21. Eastern Wyoming has lost two of its last three, most recently falling 88-76 to Casper on Feb. 18.
A key matchup will feature versatile guards on each side. Eastern Wyoming’s Jumarion Weh has been a consistent all-around contributor. Over his last five games with significant minutes, he is averaging 7.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists, including a near triple-double of 8 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in a win over Western Wyoming on Feb. 20.
For Gillette, Aly Tapo has shown flashes of high productivity despite limited recent minutes. He posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds at Laramie County on Jan. 28 and scored 11 points with 5 rebounds at Northwest on Feb. 14. His performance could be pivotal for a Pronghorns team seeking more consistent secondary scoring.
Eastern Wyoming has shown resilience in close games, winning two overtime contests earlier this month, but defense has been a season-long issue. The Lancers have allowed 91 or more points in three of their last five games. Gillette’s offense, which hit the century mark in the January win over Eastern Wyoming, will look to exploit that vulnerability.
The Lancers’ road has been difficult, with just one win in their last six games away from home. Gillette is 7-4 at home this season. A win would move the Pronghorns back to .500 and provide momentum heading into their regular-season finale at Casper on Saturday. Eastern Wyoming, which visits Laramie County on Saturday, aims to play spoiler and build positive momentum after a tough season.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. local time at the Pronghorn Center.