Basketball Game Preview: Hickory Hornets vs. Mercer Mustangs

The Hickory Hornets will venture away from home to challenge the Mercer Mustangs at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Last Saturday, Hickory came up short against Neighborhood Academy and fell 53-44. While losing is never fun, the Hornets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 150th, while Neighborhood Academy are ranked 43rd).

Meanwhile, Mercer entered their tilt with Kennedy Catholic on Sunday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They blew past Kennedy Catholic, posting a 74-28 win. The Mustangs have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five contests by 29 points or more this season.

Mercer's victory bumped their record up to 11-1. As for Hickory, their loss dropped their record down to 7-3.

Everything came up roses for Hickory against Mercer in their previous matchup back in December of 2016, as the team secured a 79-47 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Hickory since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.