Basketball Game Preview: Valencia Jaguars vs. Goddard Rockets

The Valencia Jaguars will square off against the Goddard Rockets at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Valencia is headed into the match having just suffered their biggest loss since December 6, 2024 on Saturday. They lost 59-39 to St. Michael's. While losing is never fun, the Jaguars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' New Mexico basketball rankings (they are ranked 70th, while the Horsemen are ranked 18th).

Meanwhile, Goddard was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were three points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 47-44 heartbreaker at the hands of Gadsden.

Goddard's loss dropped their record down to 4-6. As for Valencia, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-7 record this season.

Valencia didn't have too much breathing room in their game against Goddard in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, but they still walked away with a 33-28 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Valencia since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.