Basketball Game Preview: Patton Panthers vs. Freedom Patriots

Patton hasn't had much luck against Freedom recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Panthers will be home for the holidays to greet the Patriots at 8:30 p.m. One thing working in Patton's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season.

While Patton didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-16), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They were the clear victors by a 73-52 margin over Draughn on Tuesday. The Panthers have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won three matchups by 21 points or more this season.

Meanwhile, Freedom entered their contest against East Lincoln on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Patriots had to suffer through an 83-56 loss at the hands of the Mustangs. While losing is never fun, the Patriots can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 200th, while the Mustangs are ranked 73rd).

Patton has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-3 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 77.6 points over those games. As for Freedom, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-2.

Patton was dealt a bruising 90-59 loss at the hands of Freedom in their previous matchup back in November. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.