Basketball Preview: Southwest Roughriders vs. Wallace Wildcats
Southwest is 4-0 against the Wildcats since February of 2020, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Tuesday. The Southwest Roughriders will head out on the road to square off against the Wallace Wildcats at 4:00 p.m. Southwest is looking to tack on another W to their three-game streak on the road.
Southwest's game on Tuesday was all tied up 19-19 at the half, but sadly for them it didn't stay that way. They were just a bucket shy of victory and fell 40-39 to Dundy County-Stratton.
Southwest's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Kyra Nelms, who scored 14 points along with three steals and two blocks, and Anastasia Gallegos who scored nine points along with five steals. Nelms hasn't dropped below two steals for three straight games. Anikka Nelms was another key contributor, scoring five points along with two steals.
Meanwhile, Wallace earned a 44-34 victory over the Wildcats on Friday. For those curious, yes, that was the biggest win Wallace has managed all season.
Wallace got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Kendyl Flaming out in front who scored 12 points along with two steals and two blocks. It was the first time this season that Flaming posted two or more blocks. Another player making a difference was Reagan Pelster, who scored nine points.
Southwest's defeat ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 12-7. As for Wallace, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games, which provided a nice bump to their 8-12 record this season.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Southwest have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 26.6 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Wallace struggles in that department as they've been averaging 25.8 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Southwest took their victory against the Wildcats in their previous matchup back in February of 2023 by a conclusive 58-36. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Wallace's Karlie Finley, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 11 rebounds. Now that she won't be playing on Tuesday, will it be that much easier for Southwest to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.
