Basketball Game Preview: Rector Cougars vs. Manila Lions

A feisty cat fight will be fought when the Cougars challenge the Lions at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Rector lost 63-41 to East Poinsett County on Friday. The defeat continues a trend for the Cougars in their matchups with the Warriors: they've now lost three in a row.

Meanwhile, Manila came up short against Osceola on Friday and fell 68-55. While losing is never fun, the Lions can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Arkansas basketball rankings (they are ranked 152nd, while the Seminoles are ranked 48th).

Rector's loss dropped their record down to 15-12. As for Manila, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven games, which has put a noticeable dent in their 7-13 record this season.

Rector beat Manila 68-58 in their previous meeting back in February of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for Rector since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.