Basketball Game Preview: Los Lunas Tigers vs. Rio Rancho Rams

The Los Lunas Tigers will face off against the Rio Rancho Rams at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.

Los Lunas is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of New Mexico's top teams: Albuquerque, who was ranked seventh at the time (Los Lunas was ranked 11th). Los Lunas took a 43-31 hit to the loss column at the hands of Albuquerque on Saturday. The Tigers have struggled against the Bulldogs recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost meetings.

Meanwhile, after a string of six wins, Rio Rancho's good fortune finally ran out on Friday. They took a 63-57 hit to the loss column at the hands of Farmington.

Los Lunas will have to keep a close watch on Daysia Jack and Madilynn Martinez, a pair of players who had a big impact on Rio Rancho's prior game. Jack went 6-for-12 on her way to 17 points and five rebounds, while Martinez posted 19 points along with five boards and four steals. The contest was Martinez's sixth in a row with at least 16 points. Jayme Archuleta was another key player, putting up seven points and seven boards.

Even though they lost, Rio Rancho smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in eight consecutive games.

Los Lunas' loss dropped their record down to 23-6. As for Rio Rancho, their defeat dropped their record down to 20-10.

Los Lunas took their win against Rio Rancho when the teams last played back in January of 2018 by a conclusive 56-34. The rematch might be a little tougher for Los Lunas since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.