Basketball Game Preview: Palm Harbor University Hurricanes vs. Westland Cougars

The Palm Harbor University Hurricanes will take on the Westland Cougars in a tournament on Monday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Palm Harbor University saw some tournament action on Friday. They took a blow against Olentangy, falling 62-29. While losing is never fun, the Hurricanes can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 542nd in Florida, while the Braves are ranked 131st in Ohio).

Meanwhile, Westland was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Saturday as they fell 58-52 to Poinciana.

Palm Harbor University will need focus on slowing down Breaker Heller Jr., one of several Westland players who made an impact when they last played. He posted eight points along with nine assists and five boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Phoenix Funderburke, who went 6 of 10 on his way to 14 points.

Westland has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-6 record this season. As for Palm Harbor University, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 3-8.