Basketball Game Preview: Athens Wildcats vs. Troy Trojans

Athens and Troy are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2020, but not for long. The Athens Wildcats are taking a road trip to face off against the Troy Trojans at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. Athens will be looking to extend their current six-game winning streak.

It was a proper cat-fight when Athens took on Mansfield on Wednesday. Athens came out on top against Mansfield by a score of 42-32. While the Wildcats didn't have the best season last year (they finished 9-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Troy). Everything went their way against Towanda on Wednesday as Troy made off with a 77-54 win. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Trojans have posted since December 13, 2024.

Athens better keep an eye on Giana Renzi. She was instrumental in Troy's win, going 10 of 14 en route to 27 points in addition to seven rebounds and four steals. That's the most boards Renzi has posted since back in February of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Alyssa Parks, who almost dropped a double-double on 17 points and nine rebounds.

Troy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in three consecutive matchups.

Athens' record now sits at 6-1. As for Troy, their record is now 6-4.

Things could have been worse for Athens, but things could have been a whole lot better as they took a 55-38 loss to Troy when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Can Athens avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.