Basketball Game Preview: Youngker Roughriders vs. Sierra Linda Bulldogs + How To Watch

The Youngker Roughriders will look to take advantage of their home court for the first time this season as they take on the Sierra Linda Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Youngker is headed into their home opener looking to turn things around after starting their season on the road. They came up short against Paradise Valley on Monday, falling 62-40. The Roughriders haven't had much luck with the Trojans recently, as the team has come up short the last three times they've met.

Meanwhile, Sierra Linda had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They breezed past Metro Tech to the tune of 57-26 on Saturday.

Youngker better focus on containing Liam Nduwayezu and Manuel Banuelos Ochoa as the pair were huge in Sierra Linda's win. Nduwayezu went 7-for-14 en route to 14 points in addition to six steals and five assists, while Banuelos Ochoa shot 63% from the field to rack up 16 points and six steals. Those 16 points gave Banuelos Ochoa a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Zaylen Glass, who posted eight points and six steals.

Sierra Linda smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds every time they've taken the court this season.

Everything came up roses for Youngker against Sierra Linda in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, as the squad secured an 82-52 victory. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was the Bulldogs' Elie Iranzi, who scored 22 points. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will the Roughriders still be able to contain Iranzi? There's only one way to find out.