Basketball Game Preview: Middleton Vikings vs. Columbia Wildcats

After both having extra time off, the Middleton Vikings and the Columbia Wildcats will shake off the cobwebs and face off against one another at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Having struggled with three defeats in a row, Middleton turned things around against Boise last Friday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Brave 48-46.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Columbia). They secured a 70-66 W over Twin Falls two weeks ago. With that victory, the Wildcats brought their scoring average up to 51 points per game.

Middleton better keep an eye on Blake Hansen. He was instrumental in Columbia's win, almost dropping a double-double on 25 points and nine boards. Hansen has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last three times he's played. Tavin Jones was another key player, putting up nine points.

The win was their first on the road , bumping their record up to 2-5. As for Middleton, they picked up their first road victory, bumping their record up to 2-5.

Middleton strolled past Columbia in their previous meeting back in February of 2022 by a score of 68-50. Does Middleton have another victory up their sleeve, or will Columbia turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.