Basketball Game Preview: Sierra Timberwolves vs. Manteca Buffaloes

Sierra hasn't had much luck against Manteca recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Sierra Timberwolves will head out to square off against the Manteca Buffaloes at 7:30 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

On Tuesday, Sierra was able to grind out a solid victory over Oakdale, taking the game 52-41.

Mya Everett was a one-woman wrecking crew for Sierra as she went 10 for 14 on her way to 25 points in addition to five blocks and three steals. Everett has been hot, having posted three or more steals the last five times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Tessa Zalunardo, who posted five points along with nine steals and seven assists.

Meanwhile, Manteca can finally bid farewell to their four-game losing streak thanks to their game on Saturday. They skirted past Oakdale 41-38.

Manteca's win came from a few key players Sierra will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Kalaja Reese, who had ten points in addition to six boards and six steals. She continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Michailla Springs, who posted ten points along with five boards and five steals.

Manteca smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in November of 2023.

Manteca's win ended a six-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 6-10. As for Sierra, their record now sits at 6-7.

Sierra didn't have too much breathing room in their contest against Manteca when the teams last played back in February of 2024, but they still walked away with a 58-53 victory. Does Sierra have another victory up their sleeve, or will Manteca turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.