Basketball Preview: Pine Tree Pirates vs. Marshall Mavericks
Pine Tree is on a six-game streak of home losses, the Mavericks a three-game streak of away losses, but someone's luck is about to change. The Pine Tree Pirates will take on the Marshall Mavericks at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Given that the pair suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.
Last Tuesday, Pine Tree was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 49-44 to the Bobcats. The loss unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for Pine Tree in their matchups with the Bobcats: they've now lost nine in a row.
Meanwhile, Marshall came up short against the Bobcats on Friday and fell 54-44.
Loss or not, Marshall got some senior leadership from Alyssa Helton and Jakairi Blacknell. Helton scored 19 points along with six rebounds and two steals, while Blacknell. scored 14 points. It was the first time this season that Helton scored 15 or more points.
Pine Tree has not been sharp recently as the team's lost seven of their last eight contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-16 record this season. As for Marshall, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-22.
Everything came up roses for Pine Tree against the Mavericks when the teams last played back in January as the squad secured a 64-36 victory. Will Pine Tree repeat their success, or do the Mavericks have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
