Basketball Game Preview: Academe of the Oaks Firebirds vs. Valor Christian Lions

The Academe of the Oaks Firebirds will head out to square off against the Valor Christian Lions at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Academe of the Oaks is looking for their season's first win.

Last Monday, Academe of the Oaks lost to Excel Christian Academy on the road by a 39-22 margin.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Valor Christian, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Saturday. They breezed by St. John Bosco Academy to the tune of 70-37 on Tuesday. The Lions have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven matches by 30 points or more this season.

Academe of the Oaks better keep an eye on Alyssa Mullholand. She was instrumental in Valor Christian's win, putting up 20 points. Another player making a difference was Riley Dean, who posted ten points.

Valor Christian's victory was their 16th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-1. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 37.9 points. As for Academe of the Oaks, their loss dropped their record down to 0-3.

Academe of the Oaks took a serious blow against Valor Christian in their previous matchup back in November, falling 75-7. Can Academe of the Oaks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.