SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The Southern Idaho Eagles, ranked among the nation’s elite in men’s junior college basketball, visit the Salt Lake Bruin Bears on Saturday in a rematch of two lopsided conference games.

Southern Idaho (19-2) brings a dominant record and a potent offense into the contest, having won eight of its last nine. The Eagles’ only loss in that stretch was a six-point road defeat at Snow on Jan. 31. They are coming off an 85-69 victory over North Idaho on Feb. 7.

Salt Lake (9-15) has struggled for consistency, losing four of its last five games. Its most recent result was a 79-68 overtime loss to Utah State Eastern on Feb. 7. The Bruin Bears will look to defend their home court and reverse a troubling trend against the Eagles.

Southern Idaho has controlled the season series, winning both prior meetings. The Eagles secured an 86-78 win at Salt Lake on Jan. 10, then handed the Bruin Bears a 91-72 defeat at home on Jan. 24.

A key player to watch is Southern Idaho’s Cooper Kesler. The standout is averaging 20.0 points over his last seven games, including a 27-point, 8-rebound performance in the win over North Idaho. He scored 19 points in the Jan. 24 victory over Salt Lake.

For Salt Lake, guard Nick Jefferson will be central to any upset bid. He is coming off an 18-point, 6-assist effort in the loss to North Idaho on Feb. 11.

Southern Idaho’s depth has been a strength, with Nathan Ahner (15 points, 7 rebounds) and Guygustone Kasenga (8 points, 9 rebounds) providing significant contributions in the recent win.

The game tips off at 7:05 p.m. MST on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Salt Lake Community College.