CHICAGO (Interstat) — A month-long break from competition will end for the Kennedy-King Statesmen when they visit the Malcolm X Hawks in a men’s junior college basketball matchup on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.

The game will be the first for Kennedy-King (3-4) since an 83-72 road victory over Richard J. Daley on Dec. 13. The Statesmen have shown a pattern of strong performances followed by lapses, with their wins coming by an average margin of 24.3 points and their losses by 17.8. They will look to build momentum from their last outing after the extended layoff.

Malcolm X (6-3) enters on a positive note, having secured a 92-85 home win over Kankakee on Dec. 18. The Hawks have been strong on their home floor this season, boasting a 4-1 record in Chicago. Their offense has been potent, scoring 86 points or more in four of their victories, including a 101-point outburst against Wilbur Wright.

A common opponent provides a contrasting data point: both teams faced Highland (Ill.) on the road. Kennedy-King fell 80-71 on Dec. 2, while Malcolm X earned an 86-80 win there on Dec. 6.

The Hawks’ schedule shows a demanding stretch ahead, with seven of their next ten games on the road. Securing a home win against a divisional foe like Kennedy-King is a priority before that travel-heavy slate begins. For the Statesmen, this contest kicks off a critical January as they seek consistency and aim to climb above .500.

The teams are scheduled to meet again in a rematch at Kennedy-King on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon at Malcolm X College in Chicago.