Basketball Game Preview: Rio Linda Knights vs. Lincoln Fighting Zebras

Rio Linda hasn't had much luck against Lincoln recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. Both will compete for holiday cheer at 6:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.

Rio Linda is headed into Thursday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their seventh straight game on Tuesday. They were two points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 63-61 heartbreaker at the hands of Galt. One positive for the Knights, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.

Meanwhile, Lincoln waltzed into their game on Tuesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They came out on top against the Broncos by a score of 58-49.

Rio Linda better keep an eye on Jacob Butler. He was instrumental in Lincoln's win, going 8 for 11 on his way to 17 points in addition to six blocks and three steals. Butler is on a roll when it comes to blocks, as he's now posted two or more in the last 27 games he's played dating back to last season. The team also got some help courtesy of Michael Neely, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and 12 boards.

Lincoln's win bumped their record up to 5-3. As for Rio Linda, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-7.

Rio Linda came up short against Lincoln when the teams last played back in February of 2022, falling 59-52. Can Rio Linda avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.