Basketball Game Preview: Independence Blue Devils vs. Oberlin Phoenix

The Independence Blue Devils will head out on the road to face off against the Oberlin Phoenix at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Independence is headed into Thursday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight games on Friday. They fell 65-56 to Columbia. The contest was a 33-33 toss-up at halftime, but the Blue Devils couldn't quite close it out.

Meanwhile, Oberlin didn't have too much trouble with Wellington last Friday as they won 57-41. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Phoenix.

Independence better focus on containing Carmello Williams and Korrie Freeman as the pair were huge in Oberlin's win. Williams dropped a double-double with 20 points and ten rebounds, while Freeman shot 62% from the field on his way to 20 points and seven boards. Williams also posted three blocks, which is notable because Oberlin is 7-2 when he posts at least three blocks, but 6-7 otherwise. Jozayah Smith was another key player, putting up six points and five rebounds.

Oberlin smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in six consecutive games.

Independence's defeat dropped their record down to 9-13. As for Oberlin, their win bumped their record up to 13-9.

Independence and Oberlin were neck-and-neck in their previous meeting back in January, but Independence came up empty-handed after a 47-46 loss. Can the Blue Devils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.