Austin at Red Wing
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6

It's the time of year when the contenders separate from the pretenders in the league standings, and Austin has a chance to prove it is the former with games this week against the teams it trails in the Big 9 Conference standings - No. 9-4A Rochester John Marshall and No. 2-3A Red Wing.

The No. 4-3A Packers (16-3, 14-2) need help running down the league-leading Wingers (19-0, 16-0) in the league title chase, but a win in this matchup would help close the gap.

The ability to play well on both ends of the floor is a key reason why Red Wing is one of only three undefeated teams remaining in Minnesota. The Wingers boast the best defense in the Big 9 this season, allowing just 47.9 ppg, while possessing an accomplished scoring duo in senior guards Travis Toivonen (19.4 ppg) and Ben Munson (15.4 ppg). 

The Packers enter the week riding a nine-game winning streak and have just one loss since falling 62-53 to Red Wing on Dec. 15.