Basketball Game Preview: Gallup Bengals vs. Artesia Bulldogs

The Gallup Bengals will take on the Artesia Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Gallup's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last six games.

Gallup is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of New Mexico's top teams: Kirtland Central, who was ranked third at the time (Gallup was ranked fourth). Gallup managed a 73-69 victory over Kirtland Central on Saturday. The game was the first time the Bengals have beaten the Broncos on their court since March 10, 2023.

Meanwhile, Artesia was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap last Tuesday as they fell 43-38 to Lovington.

Gallup pushed their record up to 26-2 with the win, which was their fifth straight on the road. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 38.6 points. As for Artesia, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 10-16 record this season.

Gallup strolled past Artesia in their previous matchup back in December of 2017 by a score of 69-52. Will Gallup repeat their success, or does Artesia have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.