Western Carolina Cats at VMI Keydets
Date/Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Cameron Hall, Lexington, VA
Broadcast: ESPN+
Western Carolina
-Cord Stansberry (G): 13.6 PPG, versatile scorer who's been hot lately (25 pts in last game).
-Marcus Kell (F): 13.5 PPG, 46.0% FG, provides efficiency inside.
-Julien Soumaoro (G): 12.2 PPG, 2.3 APG, clutch performer with back-to-back 20+ point games.
-Samuel Dada (F): Leads in rebounds at 7.3 RPG, crucial for controlling the boards.
VMI
-Johnson (F): 18.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, the Keydets' go-to guy for scoring and rebounding.
-Tan Yildizoglu (G): 9.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, team's primary playmaker.
-Linus Holmstrom (G): 11.1 PPG, adds secondary scoring threat.
Head-to-Head History
Western Carolina holds a 42-31 all-time edge over VMI. The Catamounts won the last meeting decisively (88-58 on Jan. 24), part of a trend where they've taken 4 of the past 5 encounters. VMI's last win in the series came in 2024, but they've struggled at home against WCU (17-17 record).
Key Matchups and Storylines
WCU's Hot Streak vs. VMI's Struggles:
The Catamounts' recent offensive surge (three straight wins, high-scoring outputs) clashes with VMI's defensive woes. If WCU exploits the Keydets' poor rebounding and forces turnovers, this could get lopsided early.
Frontcourt Battle:
Samuel Dada and Abdulai Fanta Kabba for WCU will look to dominate TJ Johnson, VMI's lone consistent rebounder. Controlling the glass could limit second-chance points for the home team.
Pace of Play:
VMI prefers an up-tempo style but often falters in execution (high turnovers). WCU's guards like Tidjiane Dioumassi (2.9 APG) could capitalize on transition opportunities.
Betting Angle:
Early lines have WCU as a heavy favorite (-15.5 spread, -1500 moneyline), reflecting their form and the prior blowout.
Prediction
Western Carolina should handle business on the road, extending their win streak to four and completing the season sweep. Expect the Catamounts' balanced scoring to overwhelm VMI's leaky defense. Final score: Western Carolina 85, VMI 68.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Cameron Hall, Lexington, VA
Broadcast: ESPN+
Context: This marks the second meeting between these SoCon rivals this season. Western Carolina (11-15, 7-8 SoCon) enters as the road favorite, looking to sweep the series after dominating VMI (6-22, 1-14 SoCon) 88-58 at home on January 24. With just a few games left in the regular season, WCU sits in 7th place in the SoCon standings and is fighting for better tournament seeding, while last-place VMI is mired in a dismal campaign and seeking its first conference win since early January.
Team Overviews:
Western Carolina Catamounts
The Catamounts have turned things around lately, riding a three-game win streak that has boosted their confidence heading into the final stretch. They've shown offensive firepower, averaging over 86 points in those victories, including a convincing 91-77 takedown of UNCG on February 18 where they shot efficiently and forced turnovers. WCU's balanced attack has been key, with multiple players stepping up in big moments. However, their road record remains a question mark, as they've struggled away from home this season.
Key stats:
Points per game: 76.2 (team average, bolstered by recent outbursts)
Rebounds per game: ~36.0
Assists per game: ~13.5
VMI Keydets
It's been a rough year for the Keydets, who have dropped 17 of their last 18 games, including a current five-game skid where they've been outscored by an average of 15 points. Their defense has been porous, allowing nearly 80 points per game, and they've struggled with rebounding (last in the nation at 33.5 RPG). Offensively, VMI relies heavily on a few standouts, but turnovers and poor shooting have plagued them. Playing at home could provide a spark, but their 1-14 SoCon mark tells the story of a team that's been overmatched.
Key stats:
Points per game: 72.5 (305th nationally)
Rebounds per game: 33.5 (353rd)
Assists per game: 12.6 (372nd)
Points allowed: 79.6
Key Players to Watch:
Team Overviews:
Western Carolina Catamounts
The Catamounts have turned things around lately, riding a three-game win streak that has boosted their confidence heading into the final stretch. They've shown offensive firepower, averaging over 86 points in those victories, including a convincing 91-77 takedown of UNCG on February 18 where they shot efficiently and forced turnovers. WCU's balanced attack has been key, with multiple players stepping up in big moments. However, their road record remains a question mark, as they've struggled away from home this season.
Key stats:
Points per game: 76.2 (team average, bolstered by recent outbursts)
Rebounds per game: ~36.0
Assists per game: ~13.5
VMI Keydets
It's been a rough year for the Keydets, who have dropped 17 of their last 18 games, including a current five-game skid where they've been outscored by an average of 15 points. Their defense has been porous, allowing nearly 80 points per game, and they've struggled with rebounding (last in the nation at 33.5 RPG). Offensively, VMI relies heavily on a few standouts, but turnovers and poor shooting have plagued them. Playing at home could provide a spark, but their 1-14 SoCon mark tells the story of a team that's been overmatched.
Key stats:
Points per game: 72.5 (305th nationally)
Rebounds per game: 33.5 (353rd)
Assists per game: 12.6 (372nd)
Points allowed: 79.6
Key Players to Watch:
Western Carolina
-Cord Stansberry (G): 13.6 PPG, versatile scorer who's been hot lately (25 pts in last game).
-Marcus Kell (F): 13.5 PPG, 46.0% FG, provides efficiency inside.
-Julien Soumaoro (G): 12.2 PPG, 2.3 APG, clutch performer with back-to-back 20+ point games.
-Samuel Dada (F): Leads in rebounds at 7.3 RPG, crucial for controlling the boards.
VMI
-Johnson (F): 18.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, the Keydets' go-to guy for scoring and rebounding.
-Tan Yildizoglu (G): 9.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, team's primary playmaker.
-Linus Holmstrom (G): 11.1 PPG, adds secondary scoring threat.
Head-to-Head History
Western Carolina holds a 42-31 all-time edge over VMI. The Catamounts won the last meeting decisively (88-58 on Jan. 24), part of a trend where they've taken 4 of the past 5 encounters. VMI's last win in the series came in 2024, but they've struggled at home against WCU (17-17 record).
Key Matchups and Storylines
WCU's Hot Streak vs. VMI's Struggles:
The Catamounts' recent offensive surge (three straight wins, high-scoring outputs) clashes with VMI's defensive woes. If WCU exploits the Keydets' poor rebounding and forces turnovers, this could get lopsided early.
Frontcourt Battle:
Samuel Dada and Abdulai Fanta Kabba for WCU will look to dominate TJ Johnson, VMI's lone consistent rebounder. Controlling the glass could limit second-chance points for the home team.
Pace of Play:
VMI prefers an up-tempo style but often falters in execution (high turnovers). WCU's guards like Tidjiane Dioumassi (2.9 APG) could capitalize on transition opportunities.
Betting Angle:
Early lines have WCU as a heavy favorite (-15.5 spread, -1500 moneyline), reflecting their form and the prior blowout.
Prediction
Western Carolina should handle business on the road, extending their win streak to four and completing the season sweep. Expect the Catamounts' balanced scoring to overwhelm VMI's leaky defense. Final score: Western Carolina 85, VMI 68.
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