Basketball Game Preview: Vanguard Knights vs. Columbia Tigers + Official Tickets

Vanguard and Columbia are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2017, but not for long. The Knights will head out to face off against the Tigers at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Vanguard is headed into the contest after thoroughly thrashing West Port: they outscored them in every quarter. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that the Knights blew the Wolf Pack out of the water with a 61-24 final score. That looming 61-24 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Knights yet this season.

Michael 'MJ' Jackson

Steals

12/11/25 @ West Port	3
12/10/25 vs Lake Weir	2
12/06/25 vs Santa Fe	2

Vanguard relied on the efforts of Brandon Woode, who posted 15 points and three steals, and Michael 'MJ' Jackson, who scored 16 points and three steals. Jackson is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in each of the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Isaiah Collins, who had seven points.

Columbia not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since January 25th (when they won 65-29). They claimed a resounding 72-45 victory over Suwannee. The win continues a trend for the Tigers in their matchups with the Bulldogs: they've now won eight in a row.

Vanguard's victory bumped their record up to 5-3. As for Columbia, they now have a winning record of 3-2.

Vanguard beat Columbia 59-50 when the teams last played back in December of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Knights since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.