Tigers, Lions Meet in Key JUCO Matchup

BOONEVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season men’s junior college basketball matchup is set for Monday when the Northeast Mississippi Tigers visit the East Mississippi Lions.

Both teams enter the contest looking to climb above .500 in region play. The visiting Tigers (11-10) are coming off a dominant 97-60 victory over Mississippi Delta on Feb. 26, while the Lions (10-13) seek to rebound from a 64-46 home loss to Itawamba on Feb. 23.

Northeast Mississippi’s offense found its rhythm in the win over Mississippi Delta, with three players scoring in double figures. Forward Michael Johnson led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes. Johnson has been a key variable for the Tigers; in his last six games where he played 17 minutes or more, he averaged 13.2 points and 5.2 rebounds, but saw his role minimized in two other contests.

For East Mississippi, forward Jace O’Neal has been a consistent bright spot. He posted a team-high 15 points and eight rebounds in the loss to Itawamba, following a 10-point performance in a win over Mississippi Delta on Feb. 12. His production will be crucial against a Tigers frontcourt featuring Johnson.

The Tigers have shown a pattern of high-scoring performances, exceeding 90 points in three of their last seven games, but have also been prone to defensive lapses in losses. The Lions have struggled offensively of late, failing to reach 70 points in three consecutive games.

Recent history shows both teams have endured uneven stretches. Northeast Mississippi’s win over Delta snapped a three-game skid. East Mississippi has lost four of its last five, with the lone victory an 84-77 decision over Mississippi Delta.

Monday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. at Keyes T. Currie Coliseum on the East Mississippi campus.