Basketball Game Preview: Manteno Panthers vs. Clifton Central Comets

The Manteno Panthers will be taking part in a tournament against the Clifton Central Comets at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Manteno lost 57-31 to Paxton-Buckley-Loda on Saturday. Manteno has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, Clifton Central got the win against Illinois Lutheran on Thursday by a conclusive 49-29. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Comets.

Clifton Central has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 8-4 record this season. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 54.2 points per game. As for Manteno, their loss ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 6-6.

Everything went Manteno's way against Clifton Central in their previous matchup back in January, as Manteno made off with a 66-43 victory. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Clifton Central's Blake Chandler, who went 9 of 18 on his way to 24 points. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Manteno still be able to contain Chandler? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.