Basketball Game Preview: Salem Spartans vs. Charlottesville Black Knights

Salem has won 18 straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Charlottesville has won 18 straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Friday. The Salem Spartans will welcome the Charlottesville Black Knights at 7:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Salem is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. Everything went their way against Glass as Salem made off with a 71-47 win. The Spartans have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 20 games by 23 points or more this season.

Bailey Rider was her usual excellent self, almost dropping a triple-double with 17 points, ten rebounds, and nine steals. That's the most steals she has posted since back in December of 2024. Gabby Crawley was another key player, putting up 13 points and six boards.

Salem smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in four consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Charlottesville didn't have too much trouble with Handley on Wednesday as they won 56-40. The Black Knights have beaten the Judges the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Judges has come to flipping the script.

Salem's victory bumped their record up to 24-2. As for Charlottesville, their win bumped their record up to 23-2.

Salem ended up a good deal behind Charlottesville in their previous meeting back in February of 2024, losing 65-47. Will Salem have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.