Preview: Western Wyoming at Lamar in Men’s Junior College Basketball

LAMAR, Colo. (Interstat) — The Lamar Community College Runnin’ Lopes will look to even the season series and solidify their record above .500 when they host the Western Wyoming Community College Mustangs in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Saturday.

The game is a rematch of a Jan. 6 contest in which Western Wyoming (7-16) secured an 83-69 road victory. Lamar (13-14) enters this game having won four of its last five, including a 68-60 road win at Southeast Nebraska on Feb. 24. Western Wyoming seeks to snap a five-game losing streak, the most recent a 72-70 overtime heartbreaker at Central Wyoming on Feb. 28.

A key matchup will feature two standout players coming off dominant performances. Lamar’s Ahmed Cisse has been a consistent force, recording a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds in the win over Southeast. Over his last six games, Cisse is averaging 14.2 points and 9.2 rebounds, providing a major interior presence for the Runnin’ Lopes.

For Western Wyoming, guard Jacovey Campbell is coming off a career performance, logging 45 minutes and nearly posting a triple-double with 26 points, four rebounds and nine assists in the overtime loss to Central Wyoming. Campbell’s production has been volatile, but his high-usage capability makes him the focal point of the Mustangs’ offense.

Beyond Campbell, Western Wyoming received strong contributions from Paulius Narvilas (16 points, 14 rebounds) and Filip Rypdal Overas (12 points) in that narrow defeat. Lamar’s recent success has been more balanced, with Jaylon Brown (17 points vs. Southeast) and Christian Payawal (12 points, six rebounds) providing crucial support to Cisse.

The Runnin’ Lopes have shown offensive firepower at home, including a 104-point outburst against Otero on Feb. 21. Western Wyoming’s defense, which has allowed an average of 78.2 points during its current skid, will be tested.

Tip-off is set for Saturday at the LCC Wellness Center.