Basketball Game Preview: Normal University Pioneers vs. Springfield Senators

Normal University is 2-8 against Springfield since December of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. The Normal University Pioneers will host the Springfield Senators at 7:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Normal University took a loss when they played away from home on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They walked away with a 35-24 win over Pontiac.

Meanwhile, it was close, but on Thursday Springfield sidestepped Mahomet-Seymour for a 64-61 victory. The win was all the more spectacular given the Senators' disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 221st, while the Bulldogs are ranked 103rd).

Normal University's victory ended a five-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 5-13. As for Springfield, their win bumped their record up to 7-9.

Normal University suffered a grim 51-26 defeat to Springfield in their previous matchup back in January of 2024. Will Normal University have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.