Preview: Portage Mustangs vs. Purchase Line Red Dragons
Portage is 6-0 against Purchase Line since December of 2014, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Monday. The Portage Mustangs will be home for the holidays to greet the Purchase Line Red Dragons at 7:15 p.m. Portage will be coming into the match with an undefeated record on the line.
Portage has made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won three games by 24 points or more this season. They blew past Conemaugh Valley, posting a 54-27 win at home. Given Portage's advantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked first, while Conemaugh Valley is ranked 430th), the result on Thursday wasn't entirely unexpected.
Portage had a senior duo take command as Jenna Burkett dropped a double-double on 13 points and 11 rebounds and Alex Chobany scored 14 points along with six blocks. The matchup was Burkett's fourth in a row with at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Liana Bagby, who scored six points.
Meanwhile, Purchase Line was beaten by Marion Center 51-17 on Thursday. Purchase Line has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Portage pushed their record up to 7-0 with that win, which was their third straight at home. They've been dominating during the matchups in that stretch too, as they've won by an average of 24 points. As for Purchase Line, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-2.
Everything came up roses for Portage against Purchase Line in their previous matchup back in January as the squad secured a 71-41 win. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Purchase Line's Bailey Weaver, who scored 17 points along with three steals and three blocks. Now that she won't be playing on Monday, will it be that much easier for Portage to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
