Preview: Bishop State Wildcats at Gadsden State Cardinals

GADSDEN, Ala. (Interstat) — A crucial Alabama Community College Conference men’s basketball matchup with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Gadsden State Cardinals host the Bishop State Wildcats.

Both teams enter with identical 10-win records, but contrasting recent trajectories. The Cardinals (10-7) look to defend their home court and continue building momentum after a gritty 80-74 road win at Calhoun on Monday. The Wildcats (10-12), meanwhile, arrive riding a wave of offensive firepower, having scored over 100 points in two of their last three games, including a 101-78 rout of Coastal Alabama on Monday.

That Jan. 29 meeting will loom large. Bishop State dominated in Mobile, winning 111-92 behind a balanced attack. The Wildcats will aim to replicate that performance and complete a regular-season sweep.

A key player to watch for Bishop State is guard Maylon Martes. He is coming off an efficient 18-point, 8-rebound performance in the win over Coastal Alabama and will be central to the Wildcats’ high-tempo offense. He is supported by Tahsheim Gary, who had 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in that game, and Patrick Olajuwon, who added 14 points and 7 rebounds.

Gadsden State will counter with guard Keota Watkins, who contributed to Monday’s victory at Calhoun. The Cardinals will need a stronger defensive effort than in the first meeting to contain Bishop State’s multifaceted scoring. Gadsden State’s schedule has been challenging, with recent road losses to Lawson State and Wallace State by narrow margins.

The Cardinals have been strong at home this season, boasting key conference wins over Shelton State and Coastal Alabama in Gadsden. Protecting that home-court advantage will be vital against a Wildcats squad that has shown it can win on the road, as evidenced by victories at Wallace State and Lawson State earlier this month.

With both teams jockeying for position in the ACCC standings ahead of the regional tournament, this contest carries significant weight. Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.