Basketball Game Preview: Hickory Hornets vs. East

The Hickory Hornets will challenge East at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

East is facing Hickory at the wrong time: Hickory suffered their first home loss of the season on Saturday and they're likely out for redemption. They took a 50-44 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Falcons. The contest marked the Hornets' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Meanwhile, East had to suffer through a 79-44 loss at the hands of GlenOak. While losing is never fun, East can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Ohio basketball rankings (they are ranked 522nd, while GlenOak is ranked 198th).

East has been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 2-6 record this season. As for Hickory, their defeat ended a six-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 6-2.