Preview: Western Texas Westerners at Midland Chaparrals

MIDLAND, Texas (Interstat) — The surging Midland College Chaparrals, boasting one of the nation’s top junior college men’s basketball records at 22-4, will look to avenge their most lopsided conference loss of the season when they host the Western Texas College Westerners on Monday, March 2.

The Chaparrals have won four of their last five, including a narrow 69-68 victory over New Mexico Junior College on Feb. 23. Their only defeat in that stretch came on the road against league-leading South Plains. Midland’s consistency has been fueled by balanced contributions, with forward Antoine Bo Hurns providing steady play. Over his last six games, Hurns is averaging 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds, including a nine-point, seven-rebound performance in the win over New Mexico.

Western Texas (11-14) arrives as the only conference team to have handily defeated Midland this season, securing an 89-74 home victory on Jan. 29. However, the Westerners have struggled since, losing four of their last five games. They are coming off a 97-85 home loss to South Plains on Feb. 26.

The Westerners’ hopes hinge largely on the hot hand of guard Isak Homelius, who is in the midst of a prolific scoring run. Homelius poured in 33 points against South Plains and has averaged 24.3 points over his last seven contests, including a 37-point outburst in a road win at Frank Phillips on Feb. 2. Containing him will be a primary focus for the Midland defense.

Despite their superior record, the Chaparrals cannot overlook a Western Texas team that has proven it can match up with them. The Westerners’ recent skid has been marked by close losses, including a 64-60 defeat at Odessa on Feb. 16.

Monday’s rematch presents a critical late-season test for both squads. Midland aims to solidify its standing near the top of the conference, while Western Texas seeks to recapture the form that produced its most impressive win of the season and reignite its playoff aspirations.

Tipoff is set for Monday night at the Chaparral Center.