Basketball Game Preview: Needles Mustangs vs. Founders Classical Academy Centurions

Needles has won 16 straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Founders Classical Academy has won 16 straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Saturday. The Needles Mustangs will welcome the Founders Classical Academy Centurions at 3:00 p.m. One thing working in Needles' favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season.

On Friday, Needles strolled past Awaken Christian with points to spare, taking the game 61-42. The 61-point effort marked the Mustangs' lowest-scoring game of the season, but in the end it didn't matter.

Needles' win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Darrell Russell, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 12 rebounds. What's more, Russell also racked up three blocks, the most he's had since back in December of 2024. Another player making a difference was Luca Walema, who went 7 of 16 en route to 18 points in addition to seven boards and three blocks.

Needles smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in nine consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, Founders Classical Academy earned a 53-45 victory over Laughlin on Friday.

Needles better keep an eye on Adam Bruning. He was instrumental in Founders Classical Academy's win, almost dropping a double-double on 22 points and nine rebounds. Nick Mazza was another key player, putting up 13 points.

Needles' win bumped their record up to 24-0. As for Founders Classical Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 18-3.

Everything came up roses for Needles against Founders Classical Academy when the teams last played back in December of 2024, as the team secured a 75-21 win. In that contest, Needles amassed a halftime lead of 45-16, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Saturday.