Basketball Recap: Riverside Pirates vs. Vale Vikings
The Riverside Pirates lost against the Vale Vikings two weeks ago, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. Riverside lost to the Vikings at home by a decisive 49-31 margin. While losing is never fun, Riverside can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Oregon basketball rankings (they are ranked 132nd, while the Vikings are ranked 30th).
Despite the defeat, Riverside had strong showings from Crystal Sanchez, who scored 20 points along with three steals, and Monse Pacheco, who scored four points.
Riverside struggled to get the ball back on offense and finished the game with only an offensive rebound. That's the fewest offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Riverside has not been sharp recently as the team's lost five of their last six contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-10 record this season. As for Vale, the win (which was their ninth in a row) raised their record to 18-2.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Riverside won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against the Hilanders at 3:00 p.m. on February 3rd. Burns is looking to tack on another W to their four-game streak on the road. As for Vale, they will be playing in front of their home fans against the Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
