High-Stakes NJCAA Second-Round Clash Pits Eagles Against Thunderbirds

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (Interstat) — A battle between two of the nation’s top junior college men’s basketball teams will highlight Monday’s second round of the NJCAA Division I Championship as the Southern Idaho Eagles meet the New Mexico Thunderbirds.

The No. 2-seeded Eagles (27-2), one of the tournament favorites, face a formidable test against the Thunderbirds (23-6) at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Southern Idaho brings a powerhouse record and the momentum of a 10-game winning streak into the contest. Their last outing was a 102-96 overtime road victory at Cochise on March 14, a game where sophomore guard Jalen Lyn delivered a stellar 31-point, six-rebound, six-assist performance.

Lyn has been the catalyst for the Eagles’ high-octane offense, averaging over 20 points per game in his last four full contests. He is complemented by forward Ben Thornbrue, who posted a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double in the Cochise win.

New Mexico, however, arrives with confidence after a commanding 103-90 first-round win over Barton on Saturday. The Thunderbirds’ offense was firing, led by guard RJ Nance’s efficient 23 points in just 24 minutes. Forward Ladji Coulibaly added 15 points and nine rebounds, while Delang Muon contributed 18 points and seven rebounds.

The Thunderbirds have shown resilience, bouncing back from an overtime loss to Howard (Texas) on March 13 with three consecutive wins, averaging 91.3 points per game in that stretch. Containing Lyn while finding scoring balance beyond Nance will be critical for New Mexico against a Southern Idaho defense that has held opponents to 70 points or fewer in three of its last five games.

This matchup marks the programs’ first meeting of the season. The winner will advance to the national quarterfinals on Wednesday, moving one step closer to a junior college national title.

Tip-off is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026.