LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — A surging Howard (Tex.) Hawks squad will look to continue its dominant start when it faces the Southern Nevada Coyotes in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Friday at the SLCC Holiday Tournament in Orleans Arena.

The Hawks (10-2) enter on a five-game winning streak, most recently stifling North Idaho in a 60-45 defensive victory on Thursday. Their balanced attack is led by Victor Yimga Moukouri, who scored 13 points in 21 minutes off the bench in that contest. Howard (Tex.) has showcased both high-powered offense, scoring 93 points against Temple on Dec. 6, and lockdown defense, holding its last two opponents under 52 points.

Southern Nevada (3-3) seeks consistency after a 90-81 home loss to South Plains on Wednesday. The Coyotes have alternated wins and losses over their last five games, with their fortunes often tied to the play of guard Demarion Yap. Yap is coming off a strong all-around performance of 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in 39 minutes against South Plains. He previously recorded a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double in a win at Colorado Northwestern last month.

The Coyotes will need similar production from Yap and fellow starters Gerald Patterson and Ryan Raad to challenge the deep Hawks. Patterson posted 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the last outing, while Raad added a team-high 16 points.

Howard (Tex.) has proven formidable against a tough schedule, with notable road wins over Salt Lake and Butler (Kan.) earlier this season. Their two losses came in a split with Lamar in November. Southern Nevada’s results have been more volatile, including a 36-point road loss to Utah State Eastern.

Friday’s contest is the final pre-holiday tournament game for both teams. Howard (Tex.) will resume its season Jan. 5 against Frank Phillips, while Southern Nevada’s next game is at Cochise on Jan. 8.

Tip-off is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, at Orleans Arena.