Durham Academy is on a three-game streak of home wins, while NCSSM: Durham is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the rust and duke it out at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Durham Academy will bounce into Tuesday's matchup after beating Jordan, who they had gone 0-5 against in their five prior meetings. The Cavaliers put the hurt on the Falcons with a sharp 49-25 victory last Thursday.
Sadie Steinberg had a dynamite game, putting up 18 points and seven steals. That's the most points she has posted since back in December of 2024. Elizabeth 'E' Mead was another key player, earning seven points and five steals.
Meanwhile, it was close, but last Thursday NCSSM: Durham sidestepped Roxboro Community for a 43-40 win.
Durham Academy better focus on containing Caroline Meaney and Leira Smith as the pair were huge in NCSSM: Durham's win. Meaney dropped a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Smith had 18 points and eight boards. Meaney is also crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Violet Bradshaw, who scored six points and three steals.
NCSSM: Durham smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 21 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds every time they've taken the court this season.
Durham Academy's victory bumped their record up to 4-2. As for NCSSM: Durham, their win bumped their record up to 7-1.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Durham Academy has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 25.2 rebounds per game. However, it's not like NCSSM: Durham struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.1 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Everything came up roses for Durham Academy against NCSSM: Durham in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, as the squad secured a 49-14 victory. Will the Cavaliers repeat their success, or do the Unicorns have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
