Basketball Game Preview: Lincolnwood Lancers vs. Litchfield Purple Panthers

Lincolnwood hasn't had much luck against Litchfield recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Lincolnwood Lancers will challenge the Litchfield Purple Panthers at 9:30 a.m. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Lincolnwood is headed into Saturday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their eighth straight game on Thursday. The matchup between them and New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly didn't end well, with Lincolnwood falling 48-32. While losing is never fun, the Lancers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 612th, while the Vipers are ranked 227th).

Meanwhile, Litchfield ended up a good deal behind Gillespie on Thursday and lost 55-41. The Purple Panthers have struggled against the Miners recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive lost matchup.

Lincolnwood will need focus on slowing down Chloe Law, one of several Litchfield players who made an impact when they last played. She posted 14 points and three steals. Another player making a difference was Madi Jenkins, who had six points and five rebounds.

Even though they lost, Litchfield smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in December of 2023.

Lincolnwood's defeat dropped their record down to 1-8. As for Litchfield, their loss dropped their record down to 3-7.

Lincolnwood came up short against Litchfield in their previous meeting back in December of 2023, falling 29-22. Can Lincolnwood avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.