CLARKSDALE, Miss. (Interstat) — A postseason rubber match between two sets of Tigers will highlight Thursday’s action at the NJCAA Region 23 men’s basketball tournament as Northeast Mississippi faces Coahoma.

Both teams enter the tournament on contrasting trajectories. Northeast Mississippi (12-10) secured momentum with an 87-83 road victory over East Mississippi on Monday. Coahoma (10-5), however, looks to rebound from a 64-75 loss at Holmes that same day.

The teams split their regular-season series, with Northeast Mississippi claiming an 81-75 home win on Jan. 20. That result will be fresh in the minds of both squads as they meet on a neutral floor with the season on the line.

A key matchup will feature two standout guards. Northeast Mississippi’s Jalen Chandler has been a consistent force, averaging 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds over his last eight games. He posted 28 points and six rebounds in a loss to Hinds on Feb. 16 and is coming off an 11-point, six-rebound, two-block performance in Monday’s win.

Coahoma will counter with dynamic scorer Dee Robison, who has been on a tear. In his last four complete games, Robison averaged 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, including a 26-point outing against Pearl River on Feb. 14. His playmaking will be central to Coahoma’s offensive plans.

Northeast Mississippi’s offense has shown high-octane potential, scoring 95 or more points in three of its last seven games, but has also been prone to defensive lapses. Coahoma has demonstrated a strong home-court advantage but must translate that to a tournament setting after the disappointing loss to Holmes.

The winner advances in the Region 23 bracket, while the loser’s season ends. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026.