Basketball Game Preview: Clarkson/Leigh Patriots vs. Lakeview Vikings

The Clarkson/Leigh Patriots and the Lakeview Vikings will face off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday without much rest having both just played. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Clarkson/Leigh is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Battle Creek on Thursday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Clarkson/Leigh had to suffer through a 77-35 loss at the hands of Battle Creek. The Patriots were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 37-14.

Clarkson/Leigh's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Kyle McMullin, who posted eight points, and Korbin Lemburg, who had nine points along with five boards and three blocks. Those three blocks gave Lemburg a new career-high.

Meanwhile, Lakeview was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Thursday as they fell 48-43 to Wayne. While losing is never fun, the Vikings can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 94th, while the Blue Devils are ranked seventh).

Clarkson/Leigh's defeat was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Lakeview, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 5-3.

Clarkson/Leigh came up short against Lakeview in their previous meeting back in December of 2023, falling 54-43. Can Clarkson/Leigh avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.