Basketball Game Preview: Tempe Buffaloes vs. Yuma Criminals

The Tempe Buffaloes will venture away from home to take on the Yuma Criminals at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Tempe is coming into the matchup on a five-game losing streak.

Last Friday, Tempe was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 58-52 to Coronado.

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Damon Broadnax, who posted 14 points and six rebounds. He has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last three times he's played. Sa?Veon Mccrimon was another key player, putting up 11 points and five steals.

Meanwhile, Yuma played a tough game on Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They came up short against Dysart, falling 71-50. The Criminals have struggled against the Demons recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive lost matchup.

Like Tempe, Yuma lost despite seeing results from several players. Andy Mosqueda led the charge by dropping a double-double on 21 points and 11 boards. Another player making a difference was Nick Amador, who went 6 for 12 en route to 16 points in addition to six rebounds and five assists.

Tempe's defeat dropped their record down to 10-14. As for Yuma, their loss dropped their record down to 9-6.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Tempe has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 37.5 boards per game. However, it's not like Yuma struggles in that department as they've been averaging 33.7 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Tempe came up short against Yuma in their previous matchup last Friday, falling 71-65. Can Tempe avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.