Preview: Trinity Valley Cardinals at Lee Runnin’ Rebels

BAYTOWN, Texas (Interstat) — The surging Trinity Valley Cardinals, ranked sixth nationally in the latest NJCAA poll, travel to face the Lee College Runnin’ Rebels in a Region XIV men’s junior college basketball matchup on Saturday.

The Cardinals (25-4) enter on a nine-game winning streak, including a decisive 67-50 victory over these same Rebels just last Saturday. Trinity Valley is coming off an 80-58 road win at Blinn on Wednesday, where forward Zati Loubaki posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Loubaki has been a consistent force, averaging 13.7 points and 7.0 rebounds over his last six contests.

Lee (12-13) seeks to split the season series and build momentum after an 87-66 home win over Bossier Parish on Wednesday. Guard Takoreyn Lawson led the Rebels in that victory with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Lawson’s performance was a bright spot for a Lee team that has struggled for consistency, having lost four of its last six games.

The Rebels will need a stronger offensive showing than in the first meeting, where they were held to 50 points on 32.7% shooting. Containing Trinity Valley’s balanced attack, which also features guard Armani Henderson (19 points, 8 assists vs. Blinn), will be critical.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Trinity Valley is projected with a 76.10 percent probability to win. Tipoff is set for Saturday at Lee College Sports Arena.