Basketball Game Preview: Lafayette Lancers vs. Rockhurst Hawklets

The Lafayette Lancers will be taking part in a tournament against the Rockhurst Hawklets at 8:00 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.

Last Friday, Lafayette didn't have too much trouble with Parkway West as they won 60-42. Given the Lancers' advantage in MaxPreps' Missouri basketball rankings (they are ranked 89th, while the Longhorns are ranked 333rd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Meanwhile, Rockhurst got the win against St. Pius X on Tuesday by a conclusive 69-45. The Hawklets have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven contests by 21 points or more this season.

Lafayette better keep an eye on Callen Eskew. He was instrumental in Rockhurst's win, putting up 20 points and five boards. Another player making a difference was Kevin Sullivan, who posted 11 points and three blocks.

Rockhurst smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Rockhurst's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-2. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 26.5 points. As for Lafayette, they now have a winning record of 8-7.

Lafayette didn't have too much breathing room in their matchup against Rockhurst in their previous meeting back in January of 2023, but they still walked away with a 58-53 victory. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Rockhurst's Hayden Spachman, who earned 22 points. Now that he won't be playing on Thursday, will it be easier for Lafayette to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.