Basketball Game Preview: Coventry Oakers vs. Middletown Islanders

The Coventry Oakers will take on the Middletown Islanders in a holiday battle at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.

Coventry is leaving town to face Middletown after disappointing their home crowd in their season opener. Coventry fell just short of Cranston East by a score of 58-55 on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Oakers have suffered since December 30, 2023.

Despite their defeat, Coventry saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Brayden Martin, who posted 17 points and six assists, was perhaps the best of all. Tyler Broady was another key player, putting up 20 points and eight rebounds.

Middletown kicked off their season on the road on Thursday and hit a couple of potholes. They were beaten by Portsmouth 70-37. The Islanders have struggled against the Patriots recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Everything went Coventry's way against Middletown when the teams last played back in February, as Coventry made off with a 66-44 win. Will Coventry repeat their success, or does Middletown have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.