Basketball Game Preview: Valencia Jaguars vs. Kirtland Central Broncos

Valencia is 0-10 against Kirtland Central since January of 2016 but things could change on Thursday. The Valencia Jaguars will face off against the Kirtland Central Broncos at 11:30 a.m. Valencia will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak.

Valencia is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They skirted past Albuquerque Academy 37-34. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Jaguars have posted since March 8, 2024.

Meanwhile, Kirtland Central humbled Hope Christian with a 58-18 victory. The Broncos have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 19 matches by 21 points or more this season.

Kirtland Central is on a roll lately: they've won 15 of their last 16 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 27-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 27.1 points on average over those games. Valencia's win bumped their record up to 25-7.

Valencia couldn't quite get it done against Kirtland Central in their previous meeting back in December of 2024 as they fell 56-48. Can Valencia avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.