Basketball Game Preview: Vermilion Sailors vs. Willard Crimson Flashes

Vermilion hasn't had much luck against Willard recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Vermilion Sailors will square off against the Willard Crimson Flashes at 7:15 p.m. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.

Last Friday, Vermilion came up short against Margaretta and fell 48-40. While losing is never fun, the Sailors can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Ohio basketball rankings (they are ranked 477th, while the Polar Bears are ranked 47th).

Meanwhile, Willard fought the good fight in their overtime contest against Columbian on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Tornadoes by a score of 57-55.

This is the second loss in a row for Vermilion and nudges their season record down to 6-12. As for Willard, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost six of their last eight games, which put a noticeable dent in their 12-6 record this season.

Vermilion came up short against Willard in their previous matchup on January 11th, falling 44-39. Can Vermilion avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.