Preview: Shelton State Looks to Sweep Season Series Against Southern Union State

WADLEY, Ala. (Interstat) — The Shelton State Buccaneers, riding a wave of strong recent form, will visit the Southern Union State Bison on Thursday in a men’s junior college basketball matchup.

The Buccaneers (16-6) enter the contest having won four of their last five games, including a 71-61 victory over Wallace State on Monday. They previously defeated the Bison 65-58 at home on Jan. 29.

Southern Union State (6-17) snapped a three-game skid with an 81-79 win over Lawson State on Monday. Despite their record, the Bison have shown offensive capability, scoring 80 or more points in five of their last eight contests.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s standout performers. Shelton State’s Shah Hall is coming off a dominant 20-point, 14-rebound performance against Wallace State. In the Jan. 29 meeting between these teams, Hall contributed 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks.

He will be countered by Southern Union State’s dynamic guard Don Tinsley, who is averaging 23.1 points over his last seven games. Tinsley recorded a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double in Monday’s win and scored 19 points with eight rebounds in the earlier loss to Shelton State.

The Buccaneers have relied on balanced scoring and defense during their surge. Alongside Hall, Rodwick Jackson (19 points, five blocks vs. Wallace State) and Terrance Pruitt have provided consistent contributions.

For the Bison, support for Tinsley has come from Khalon Johnson, who poured in 27 points in the Lawson State victory, and Trevone Palmer, who adds interior presence.

Shelton State will look to control the tempo and leverage its superior record, while Southern Union State aims to protect its home court and avenge the narrow January defeat. The Bison’s offensive firepower, led by Tinsley, poses a threat to any opponent, but they will need to find answers for Shelton State’s interior defense anchored by Hall.

Tip-off is set for Thursday night.