Preview: Gulf Buccaneers vs. Dunedin Falcons
After seven games on the road, Gulf is heading back home. They will take on the Dunedin Falcons at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Gulf has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last four games.
Last Thursday, Gulf was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 54-50 to Mitchell.
Gulf's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Ariana Rodriguez, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 23 rebounds, and Brenniyah Hall who scored 15 points along with five rebounds and five steals. Hall is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season.
Dunedin suffered their biggest defeat since December 4, 2023 on Thursday. They took a serious blow against Countryside, falling 75-29. Dunedin was in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 50-18.
Despite the loss, Dunedin had strong showings from Haylee Dones, who scored 16 points, and Trinity Clincy, who scored four points along with seven assists and five steals. Clincy is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last eight games she's played. Ava Marchido was another key contributor, scoring three points along with five rebounds and two steals.
Gulf's loss was their fifth straight on the road, which bumped their record down to 6-8. As for Dunedin, they have not been sharp recently, as they've lost six of their last seven games, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-10 record this season.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Gulf have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 38.4 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Dunedin, though, as they've been averaging only 30.8 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Gulf came up short against Dunedin in their previous meeting back in December of 2014, falling 26-20. Can Gulf avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
