Basketball Recap: Miami Comes Up Short

Miami lost against Gilbert Classical Academy back in January of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Miami Vandals were outmatched by the Gilbert Classical Academy Spartans and fell 56-26. The Vandals just can't catch a break and have now endured five losses in a row.

Miami's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Deray Mathis, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 13 boards. Mathis has been hot for a while, having posted eight or more rebounds the last 14 times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of John McGoughey, who posted four points along with nine boards and four blocks.

Even though they lost, Miami smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 18 offensive rebounds in four consecutive matchups.

Miami's loss dropped their record down to 11-8. As for Gilbert Classical Academy, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 10-6.

Miami didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 59-52 victory against Chandler Prep on the 13th. Gilbert Classical Academy has also already played their next game, a 45-44 defeat against Lincoln Prep on the 13th.