Basketball Game Preview: Illinois Math & Science Academy Titans vs. LaMoille Lions

The Illinois Math & Science Academy Titans will be taking part in a tournament against the LaMoille Lions at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

On Friday, Illinois Math & Science Academy came up short against Hinckley-Big Rock and fell 63-54. While losing is never fun, the Titans can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 647th, while the Royals are ranked 273rd).

Meanwhile, LaMoille was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their ninth straight loss. They came up short against Earlville, falling 68-46.

Illinois Math & Science Academy will have to keep a close watch on Brayden Klein and Tyler Billhorn, a pair of players who had a big impact on LaMoille's prior game. Klein went 6 of 15 on his way to 18 points in addition to six boards and three steals, while Billhorn almost dropped a double-double on 16 points and nine rebounds. The match was Klein's third in a row with at least ten points.

Even though they lost, LaMoille was working as a unit and finished the game with ten assists. This was only their 12th loss (out of 15 games) when they've passed the ball that well.

LaMoille's defeat dropped their record down to 4-19. As for Illinois Math & Science Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 6-13.

Illinois Math & Science Academy was able to grind out a solid victory over LaMoille in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, winning 56-49. Does Illinois Math & Science Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will LaMoille turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.