Basketball Game Preview: Western Pioneers vs. Troy Warriors

The Western Pioneers will take on the Troy Warriors in a holiday battle at on Thursday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Last Saturday, Western was beaten by Sunny Hills 73-45. While losing is never fun, the Pioneers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 943rd, while the Lancers are ranked 307th).

Meanwhile, Troy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They took a 62-50 hit to the loss column at the hands of Valencia.

Western has traveled a rocky road recently having lost seven of their last nine contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-10 record this season. As for Troy, their loss dropped their record down to 3-13.