Basketball Game Preview: Aquinas Falcons vs. Temecula Valley Golden Bears

The Aquinas Falcons and the Temecula Valley Golden Bears will round out the year against one another at at 1:15 p.m. on Monday. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Aquinas' tournament run continued when they took on Fontana on Saturday. Aquinas was beaten by Fontana 63-30. While losing is never fun, the Falcons can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 934th, while the Steelers are ranked 370th).

Jordyn Williams

Rebounds

12/28/24 vs Fontana	12
12/27/24 @ Valley View	9
12/26/24 vs JW North	14
12/13/24 @ Indian Springs	13
12/07/24 vs Yucca Valley	18

Aquinas' defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Vanessa Lear, who posted 14 points and seven rebounds, and Jordyn Williams, who put up six points and 12 rebounds. Williams is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down nine or more in the last eight games she's played.

Even though they lost, Aquinas smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in four consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Temecula Valley's good fortune finally ran out on Saturday. They took a 54-47 hit to the loss column at the hands of Vista Murrieta.

Temecula Valley's loss dropped their record down to 11-4. As for Aquinas, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-10.

Everything came up roses for Aquinas against Temecula Valley in their previous matchup back in November of 2022, as the team secured a 58-24 win. Does Aquinas have another victory up their sleeve, or will Temecula Valley turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.