HUTCHINSON, Kan. (Interstat) — A high-powered offense meets a surging contender Monday when the Howard (Tex.) Hawks face the Daytona State Falcons in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

The No. 4-seeded Hawks (27-5), champions of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference, enter as one of the tournament favorites. They face a formidable test in the No. 13-seeded Falcons (23-7), who are riding momentum from a dominant 103-74 victory over Jones in the opening round.

Howard’s attack is fueled by sophomore forward Terry Copeland, a dynamic scorer coming off a 24-point, 8-rebound performance in the WJCAC title game against Midland on March 14. Copeland has been on a tear, including a 40-point, 13-rebound outburst against Midland on March 5. His consistency makes him the focal point of a Hawks team that has won 10 of its last 11 games.

Daytona State counters with its own star in forward Noah Mendy. The Falcons’ catalyst was spectacular in the first round, posting 19 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks in 36 minutes against Jones. His all-around versatility fuels a balanced attack that saw Adrian Shackleton (24 points) and Tyrese Lacey (13 points, 6 assists) also excel in the win.

The matchup pits Howard’s elite record and potent scoring against a Daytona State team that has found its form, winning four of its last five. The Falcons’ seven losses have all been competitive, with only one by more than 11 points.

Howard, however, boasts significant depth. In the win over Midland, Daniel Culberson and Dace Pleasant each added double-doubles, providing crucial support for Copeland.

The game will be a battle of tempo, with both teams capable of high-scoring outputs. Daytona State’s task will be containing Copeland’s offensive versatility, while Howard must solve Mendy’s inside-out game and the Falcons’ efficient ball movement.

Tipoff is set for Monday at the NJCAA tournament site. The winner advances to the national quarterfinals.