Basketball Game Preview: Starpoint Spartans vs. Elmira Express

The Starpoint Spartans and the Elmira Express will face off at 4:00 p.m. on Monday without much rest having both just played. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

Starpoint is headed into the match having just suffered their biggest defeat since February 7th on Sunday. They lost 61-35 to Cardinal O'Hara. The Spartans haven't had much luck with the Hawks recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.

Meanwhile, Elmira's undefeated season came to an end after five games on Sunday. They took a 75-59 bruising from Bishop Kearney. The loss was the Express' first of the season.

Starpoint will have to keep a close watch on Meya Smith and Mariah Matias, a pair of players who had a big impact on Elmira's prior game. Smith went 10 of 17 on her way to 21 points and eight rebounds, while Matias dropped a double-double on 18 points and 18 rebounds. Matias' evening made it six games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Ashaya Wallace, who posted six points along with seven rebounds and five assists.

Even though they lost, Elmira smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 27 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Starpoint now has a losing record at 1-2. As for Elmira, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 5-1.