Basketball Game Preview: Newark Norsemen vs. Illinois Math & Science Academy Titans

Newark is 8-0 against Illinois Math & Science Academy since February of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Newark Norsemen will square off against the Illinois Math & Science Academy Titans at 7:00 p.m. Newark is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 54.2 points per game this season.

Illinois Math & Science Academy will be up against a hot Newark team: the squad just extended their winning streak to three. Newark pulled ahead with a 53-52 photo finish over Aurora Christian on Wednesday.

Newark's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Dylan Long, who posted 26 points along with six boards and five steals. The match was Long's 13th in a row with at least ten points. Payton Wills was another key player, putting up nine points in addition to seven steals and five rebounds.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Illinois Math & Science Academy, who bounced back after a loss on the road back in December of 2024. They breezed by Alden-Hebron to the tune of 62-28 on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Titans have posted since December 6, 2024.

Newark pushed their record up to 10-7 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 62.5 points per game. As for Illinois Math & Science Academy, the win was their first at home , bumping their record up to 4-8.

Newark skirted past Illinois Math & Science Academy 49-47 when the teams last played back in February of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for Newark since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.