Preview: Southern Idaho Eagles at Colorado Northwestern Spartans

RANGELY, Colo. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Thursday when the nationally top-ranked Southern Idaho men’s junior college basketball team visits the struggling Colorado Northwestern Spartans.

The Eagles (11-1) enter on a five-game winning streak, having dominated Scenic West Athletic Conference play. Their most recent outing was an 82-65 road victory over then-North Idaho on Saturday. Southern Idaho’s lone loss came against Odessa (Texas) on Dec. 6.

The Spartans (3-11) have lost four straight and eight of their last nine. They are coming off a 74-61 loss at Utah State Eastern on Tuesday.

Southern Idaho is powered by guard Jalen Lyn, who is coming off a career-high 31-point performance against North Idaho. Over his last two games, Lyn is averaging 20.5 points. He is complemented by Ben Thornbrue, who added 16 points and five rebounds in the win over the Cardinals.

Colorado Northwestern will look to forward Carter Killian to provide a spark. Killian has been a consistent contributor, averaging 12 points, four rebounds and five assists over the Spartans’ last two contests.

The Eagles have won their games by an average margin of 16.2 points this season. Their defense has been particularly stifling, holding opponents to 60.8 points per game during their current win streak.

Conversely, the Spartans have struggled defensively, allowing 84.6 points per game during their four-game skid. Their last win was an 88-87 upset at Central Arizona on Dec. 12.

Southern Idaho won both meetings last season by an average of 28 points.

After this contest, Southern Idaho hosts Snow on Jan. 15. Colorado Northwestern continues a tough homestand against North Idaho on Saturday.