LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University basketball teams will conclude their regular seasons on Saturday against in-state rival New Mexico Highlands.


On the men's side, WNMU (9-16, 9-12 RMAC) will look to sweep the season series from NMHU (11-14, 9-12 RMAC) after taking the earlier matchup in Silver City, 93-75, back on Jan. 21.


The teams have had similar paths this season, having beaten and lost to the same teams except for one matchup in which Colorado Mesa won at WNMU, while NMHU defeated the Mavs in Las Vegas.


Both remain on the outside looking in when it comes to an RMAC Shootout berth, with Western State (10-10) holding the last spot, but CSU-Pueblo (9-11) also is in position to possibly slide into the final spot as well.


Senior TJ Riley (Tyler, TX/Chapel Hill High School) is near the top on scoring in the conference averaging 18 points per game which is tied with Metro State's Reggie Evans for tops in the conference. Chad Carter (Tucson, AZ/Ironwood Ridge High School) remains right there with Riley, averaging 15.2 points per game, while leading the team in rebounds per game (6.2) and blocks at 50.


The Cowboys defeated the Mustangs, 115-99, last year and the year before, 103-88. Back in 2009, NMHU won on a three-point shot late to edge the Mustangs 78-77.


On the women's side, NMHU (12-13, 8-13 RMAC) took the earlier meeting, 79-52, back on Jan. 21 in Silver City. The Cowgirls have won the last three in the series.


With both teams out of the postseason picture, it will be a battle for bragging rights between the rivals, with WNMU (0-24, 0-21 RMAC) led by Kassie Scott (El Paso, TX/Coronado High School)'s 11 points per game, followed by 9.5 a game from Morgan Wohltman (Queen Creek, AZ/Highland High School).


The men will tip first at 4 p.m., followed by the women's game at 6 p.m. Saturday night.