CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Call it "The battle of I-74?"

Whatever it's named, it's a contest between the top two teams in the MPBA early in a 20-game season. The undefeated Champaign Swarm (3-0) welcome their closest geographic opponent, the Bloomington Flex (4-1), at 7:30 p.m. on January 29 at Parkland College.

Read the full game notes here.

The Swarm have consistently used a defense that presses and pesters opponents into missed shots and turnovers. They have yet to look seriously challenged with with leads of more than 30 points in each of their first three games. With that, every player has had significant minutes playes, and six different players are averaging in double digits, led by Arnold Louis at 19.0 points per game.

So what kind of test will the Flex bring?

Bloomington boasts the league's top scorer, Justin Bocot, at 27.0 points per game and a formidable front line of Matt Salley and Anthony Slack, who each average eight rebounds per game. The team also rides a four-game winning streak into Champaign.

Thursday night is Parkland Appreciation Night. Admission is free for all Parkland College students, staff and faculty. Tickets for all others are $8 for general admission and $5 for kids and students. VIP seats are $12.

The game will be broadcast on theMPBA.com. Scott Beatty will call play-by-play, and Craig Fata will provide color analysis.